Many investors like the idea of buying the worst house on the best street – a shabby property surrounded by nicer ones – because the neighbourhood supports future value. With some improvements, that “worst” house can catch up and often appreciate well.
But for regular families, the decision is more personal. The “best” house on a modest street might give you more immediate comfort: bigger space, better finishes, fewer renovation headaches. You just have to accept that surrounding properties may limit how high its value can climb.
Think about your priorities. If you care more about long-term investment and are okay living through renovation or a rough starting point, the worst-on-best-street strategy can work. If you mainly want peace, space and less construction stress, a well-kept home on an average street might be better.
There’s no one answer. Balance financial logic with how you actually want to live for the next many years.