When it comes to property investing, many people obsess over how many properties they own. Ten sounds like a magic number, right? It’s a badge of honour — a way to feel like you’ve “made it” in the property game.
But here’s the truth: more isn’t always better.
In fact, chasing equity — not quantity — is often the smarter, safer, and more profitable long-term strategy.
The Problem With The Numbers Game
Many investors equate portfolio size with success, thinking that the more properties they hold, the more wealth they’re building. But if that growth is fuelled by cheap houses, high leverage, and properties in areas with low demand or minimal growth prospects, you could be building a fragile house of cards.
More properties mean:
- More maintenance
- More tenants to manage (and replace)
- More risk exposure
- More legal and broker fees
Meanwhile, if those properties don’t appreciate in value or generate strong cash flow, you’re working harder for less.
Equity: The True Measure of Wealth
Equity — the capital you actually own in your portfolio — tells a much more honest story. It’s a combination of:
- The deposits you put in
- The value your properties have gained over time
This equity gives you power:
- Power to refinance and reinvest
- Power to weather downturns
- Power to unlock cash flow in the long term
Meet Mike vs Tina
Let’s look at a real-world example:
- Mike owns 10 low-value properties worth £1 million total. His equity is £250,000.
- Tina owns just 4 high-quality properties also worth £1 million. Her equity? £330,000.
Tina has:
- More flexibility
- Fewer headaches
- Better long-term prospects
Meanwhile, Mike is spending more time (and money) managing his cheaper properties with less room to grow. And crucially — less equity to leverage.
Why Fewer, Better Properties Win
Higher-value, high-demand properties in quality areas tend to:
- Appreciate more over time
- Attract better tenants
- Need less maintenance
- Perform better on exit
You don’t need 10 properties to hit £5,000 per month income. But you do need:
- A clear strategy
- Solid growth areas
- Strong rental demand
- The right finance structure
So, What’s The Goal?
Think long-term. Use equity growth to scale sustainably. Once you reach a strong position (say, £1 million in equity), you can start shifting your focus to income.
This approach isn’t just smarter — it’s more realistic. Especially for time-poor professionals who want to build wealth without constant stress.
Final Thought
Don’t build your portfolio for vanity. Build it for freedom.
At Frater Property Partners, we work with clients to grow fewer, better properties in prime areas that offer long-term capital growth and stress-free management.
Ready to rethink your strategy? Let’s talk equity — not just numbers.
Get in touch today for a free call: https://fraterpropertypartners.com/contact/
Learn with us – https://www.youtube.com/@JamesTalksProperty
