Let’s be honest, every landlord and investor gets a bit uneasy when a property sits empty around Christmas. It feels like the whole market has gone quiet, but it really hasn’t. People still move in December, especially those starting new jobs or relocating before January kicks off. So if you experience a short void this season, don’t feel bad. Sometimes waiting for the right tenant in January is better than rushing to fill the space with someone who might not be a good fit. One calm month can save you stress later. The key is simply being prepared — keeping an eye on your tenancy dates and having your listing ready to go once the new-year activity picks up. How do you handle that holiday period when it comes to tenant turnover or do you let someone handle it for you?

Time for some real talk. One of the biggest mental blocks for new investors is choosing a property they would personally live in. They get swayed by the nice kitchen or the garden, overlooking the numbers. Remember, your tenant's taste might be completely different. The goal isn't to fall in love with the property; it's to fall in love with the spreadsheet. Emotion has its place, but it shouldn't be in the driver's seat when analysing a deal. Be honest, have you ever passed on a great-yielding property because it didn't appeal to you personally?