6 Myths That Stop People Investing & Why They’re Wrong

When it comes to property investing, most people don’t fail because they picked the wrong suburb or mistimed the market. They fail before they even begin, buying into limiting beliefs that hold them back.

Here are six myths that stop people investing, and the reality behind them, according to property experts and authors Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley.

1. You Need to Be Rich to Invest

Many assume investing is only for high-income earners. In truth, wealth is built through strategy and discipline, not salary size. Even modest incomes can support investing with the right plan.

2. I Need to Learn Everything Before I Start

Education is important, but waiting for perfect knowledge often leads to inaction. Investing is a long-term game, and you’ll learn more by starting than by endlessly researching.

3. I Missed the Boat

This fear pops up every time prices rise. But property markets reward time in the market, not perfect timing. Yesterday was the best time to invest; the next best time is today.

4. Property Is Too Risky

All investing carries risk, but avoiding it altogether can cost you more. The key is research, advice and a long-term approach focused on well-chosen, quality assets.

5. You Need 10 Properties to Retire

It’s not about quantity but quality. A few well-performing properties can generate the income you need without the stress of managing a massive portfolio.

6. I’m Too Young or Too Old to Start

Age is often used as an excuse. Younger investors benefit from time and compounding, while older investors can succeed with focus and clear goals. It’s never too early or too late to begin.

The Real Barrier? Mindset.
Most people don’t get started because they focus on what could go wrong. Shifting that mindset to focus on what’s possible is often the first and most crucial step.

Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley are co-authors of the new book, How to Retire on $3000 a Week and co-hosts of The Property Couch podcast.

Leading Australian development manager Fortis has secured a landmark off-the-plan sale at Richmond Square, with high-profile hospitality entrepreneurs Bruce and Chyka Keebaugh purchasing a 550sqm penthouse residence in Carmine House, establishing a new price benchmark for apartment living in Richmond.

The purchase underscores the continued demand for premium, amenity-rich residences in Melbourne’s inner east.

The transaction marks a significant milestone for the $330 million mixed-use precinct, reinforcing buyer appetite for integrated, lifestyle-led developments.

Richmond Square comprises two residential offerings – Carmine House and Wiltshire House – alongside a 57-room boutique hotel, strata office space and a curated mix of retail and lifestyle operators.

As part of Carmine House, residents have access to hotel-style amenities and services, including concierge, housekeeping, dry cleaning and in-residence food and beverage delivery.

Best known for building The Big Group into one of Australia’s leading luxury hospitality and events businesses, the Keebaughs were drawn to the precinct’s integrated lifestyle offering and its proximity to Melbourne’s hospitality, cultural and sporting precincts, while remaining well connected to the Mornington Peninsula, where they spend much of their time.

As well, Chyka is well known to Australian audiences as one of the original stars of The Real Housewives of Melbourne, appearing across three seasons of the hit reality series.

Alongside her business ventures with Bruce, she has built a public profile as a lifestyle authority, authoring two books on home and entertaining, Chyka Home and Chyka Celebrate.

“We weren’t simply looking for a luxury apartment,: the couple said. “We were looking for a home that delivers an exceptional lifestyle every day. The combination of design, walkability, security and the broader precinct vision for the broader precinct immediately stood out.”

Jordan Winada, Head of Acquisitions (Commercial) Victoria at Fortis, said the result highlights evolving priorities at the top end of the market.

“This sale reinforces that premium buyers are prioritising the complete lifestyle experience,” says Winada.

“They’re increasingly looking beyond the apartment itself and assessing the quality of the surrounding neighbourhood as well.”

Sean Cussell, Director at Christie’s International Real Estate Victoria, who negotiated the transaction, said the result reflects the lack of comparable product at this level of the market.

“There’s simply no direct comparison for this in Richmond. It’s not just an apartment; it’s part of a fully integrated precinct combining residential, hotel, workplace and lifestyle amenity,” Cussell said.

“Buyers are increasingly assessing the broader offering, from amenity and walkability to service and convenience. Projects that deliver a complete lifestyle experience continue to outperform.”

The sale contributes to Fortis’ strong national performance, with the business recording more than $124 million in sales since March, the last three all record-breaking penthouse sales across the country, reflecting sustained momentum across its portfolio and continued appetite for premium, design-driven developments.

This follows Fortis’ recent record-breaking Ruby House penthouse sale in Sydney’s Double Bay, which set a new benchmark for apartment living in the suburb and underscores the strength of demand at the ultra-premium end of the market.

Richmond Square will announce its hospitality and lifestyle operators in the coming weeks as the project progresses towards completion this year.

6 Myths That Stop People Investing & Why They’re Wrong

Property experts Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley unpack six common investing myths that keep Australians from building wealth – and explain why it’s time to rethink them.

Hospitality entrepreneurs Bruce and Chyka Keebaugh have set a new price benchmark for apartment living in Richmond with their purchase of a Carmine House penthouse.