Ten Ways to Save for a House Deposit Faster

Avoiding these common errors can protect your investment and your peace of mind. 

Owning an investment property should reward steady rental income, long-term growth, and a secure asset for the future. But too often, landlords find themselves facing unnecessary costs, disputes, or vacancies simply because of avoidable mistakes. 

Here are the five most common pitfalls we see, and how to steer clear of them. 

1. Neglecting Preventive Maintenance

The mistake: Waiting until something breaks before fixing it. A leaking tap turns into water damage, a small crack becomes structural, or an old heater fails in the middle of winter. 

Why it matters: Tenants are more likely to leave a poorly maintained property, and urgent repairs cost far more than planned ones. 

How to avoid it: Schedule regular property inspections and annual health checks. Stay on top of essential servicing (heating/cooling, smoke alarms, plumbing) and keep a buffer for ongoing upkeep. 

2. Ignoring Legal Compliance 

The mistake: Overlooking legislative obligations under Tenancies Acts, such as safety checks for gas, electricity, (Victoria) and smoke alarms. 

Why it matters: Non-compliance can lead to penalties, disputes at the tribunal, or even make your property uninhabitable. 

How to avoid it: Keep detailed records of inspections and certifications. Work with a property manager who understands the latest regulations and ensures your property is always compliant. 

3. Setting Rent Without Market Data 

The mistake: Choosing a rent price based on “gut feel” or copying a neighbour’s listing. 

Why it matters: Rent set too high leads to vacancies; rent set too low means missed income. Both reduce your long-term returns. 

How to avoid it: Use current market data vacancy rates, recent comparable leases, and seasonal demand. A professional property manager can benchmark your property to strike the balance between maximising rent and retaining good tenants. 

4. Underestimating the Value of Good Tenants 

The mistake: Viewing tenants only as “rent payers” and not investing in their experience. 

Why it matters: High tenant turnover is expensive marketing, vacancy gaps, cleaning, and wear and tear add up quickly. 

How to avoid it: Respond promptly to maintenance, communicate clearly, and treat tenants with respect. A good tenant is one of the most valuable assets a landlord can have. 

5. Trying to Self-Manage Without Support 

The mistake: Taking on property management alone to “save money,” only to end up overwhelmed by legal, maintenance, and tenant issues. 

Why it matters: Self-managing landlords often underestimate the time and expertise required, which can expose them to costly mistakes. 

How to avoid it: Engage a professional property manager who combines compliance knowledge, market insights, and proactive tenant care. The right partner will more than pay for themselves by maximising returns and minimising risks. 

The Bottom Line 

Landlords face a complex rental environment from shifting legislation to changing tenant expectations. Avoiding these five mistakes can mean the difference between a stressful experience and a strong, consistent return. 

At LongView, we help landlords manage for performance, not just compliance keeping properties safe, tenancies stable, and investments future-proof.