The hidden psychological edge of residential property investment

When it comes to investing, there is one asset class that consistently holds a special place in the hearts of most Aussies - residential property.

If you were to ask a hundred individuals on the street how they would invest a million dollars, a vast majority would undoubtedly say "property."

While financial reasons for investing in real estate are well-documented, it's also worth exploring the hidden psychological benefits that make residential property a beloved investment choice for many.

1. You can't panic sell

Investing in stocks and other liquid assets can be a rollercoaster ride, driven by market fluctuations and human emotions.

The fear of missing out (FOMO) can lead to impulsive buying when prices are high, followed by panic selling when prices dip.

Such behaviour is detrimental to long-term wealth creation.

On the other hand, the process of selling a property is far from impulsive.

It involves engaging estate agents, solicitors, dealing with your mortgagee etc., all of which require significant effort and commitment.

This intricate selling process serves as a psychological barrier against rash decisions, protecting investors from acting impulsively during market downturns.

In this sense, the laborious process of selling property acts as a safeguard, keeping emotions in check and allowing investors to ride out market fluctuations with greater confidence.

2. You can't obsessively check the price

In today's fast-paced world, stock market investors can access real-time price updates at their fingertips.

Constantly monitoring price movements can lead to emotional volatility, affecting both mood and decision-making.

The irrational tendency to interpret short-term fluctuations as significant signals can prompt investors to make ill-advised decisions.

Conversely, valuing real estate involves a more subjective approach.

Property prices do not fluctuate as frequently as stocks, and their true value is harder to determine instantly.

This lack of real-time data prevents investors from falling into the trap of obsessively checking the price and reacting impulsively to minor market movements.

Consequently, property investors are more likely to maintain a stable and rational perspective on their investments.

3. You're forced to take a long-term view

Remember Warren Buffet said:

Wealth is the transfer of money from the patient to the impatient.

 Fact is…patience is a virtue when it comes to investing, but human nature often craves instant gratification.

The allure of short-term gains can tempt investors to trade frequently, seeking quick profits and attempting to "beat the market."

Property investment, however, is inherently structured for the long term.

The process of buying and selling property incurs substantial financial and practical costs, discouraging frequent trading.

This property characteristic acts as a gentle reminder for investors to adopt a patient and long-term outlook.

As a result, property investors are more likely to let time, compounding and leverage work their magic and appreciate the steady growth of

their property over the years.

So while the financial reasons for investing in residential property are well-known, it is important to recognize the hidden psychological benefits that make it a popular choice.

The built-in features of property investment, such as the difficult and time-consuming selling process, limited access to real-time price data, and the necessity for long-term commitment, act as a safeguard against impulsive decisions and short-term trading behaviour.

By understanding and embracing these psychological advantages, investors can harness the hidden edge that residential property offers, ensuring a more stable and prosperous investment journey in the long run.

About Michael Yardney Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He's once again been voted Australia's leading property investment adviser and one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.