When can you start buying property in Monopoly?

In Monopoly, you can purchase the property once you land on it. The game has a set of 28 properties available during a single game, and each building type has its purchasing rules.

Monopoly is an exciting and timeless game whose wins depend on strategy more than luck. Nowhere is this more evident than its property rules, and knowing these rules will go a long way in determining whether you will win a game by making other players bankrupt or be the first to bow out. In this article, we will look at how to buy property in the game and tips to help you maximize the property you own in a game.

What you should know before making property purchases

Before purchasing any hotels or houses, the game dictates that you must own all properties in the color group you want. An example is buying houses in the orange color group after owning all orange properties – St. James Place, Tennessee Avenue, and New York Avenue.

These properties must not be mortgaged either because mortgaging means you do not own them entirely – instead, you are “leasing” them from the bank.

After you own a monopoly of a particular color group, the game allows you to make any improvements to your properties by adding hotels or houses at any time. Not only does this apply to when your playing turn comes, but also during your rival’s turns.

Is it possible to buy property in the first “Go” round in Monopoly?

In theory, yes, you can buy a property during the first Monopoly round – since there are no rules explicitly saying you cannot. However, some players will say that you should complete a “Go” round during the first round before buying property.

There could be reasons behind this “house rule,” but the most common assumption is that it removes the advantage you could get if you were to play first, such as owning more properties and buildings and gaining more money.

When can you begin purchasing property in Monopoly?

You can buy properties as soon as you land on them and trade them with other players. According to the official rules in the game, you have the right to purchase unclaimed property – and if you choose not to do so, the banker in the game must auction it, and other players are allowed to place bids on that property until a buyer is found. This is a little-known rule, but knowing it places you in a more strategic position against other players and increases your chances of winning.

Thanks to this action, it is easy to make the game quicker and give you a great deal on specific properties – especially the highly profitable red and orange ones.

Owning properties also allows you to begin placing buildings on them, with each property holding a maximum of 4 houses as long as you have spread them out evenly. You can then purchase and build hotels on these properties once you have 4 houses. Regardless of the property or building you want, the bank handles all these transactions and any obligations such as rent and income tax.

Can I purchase a property in Monopoly when I haven’t passed go yet?

Yes, you can buy property even when you have not passed go – as long as the property is unowned. According to the rules, here is a table summarizing what happens when you land on a Go space in the game.

Landing on ‘Go’	What happens to your progress
Passing Go during your normal gameplay turn	You will collect $200 immediately.
If a Chance Card or Advance to Go Community directs you to a Go space	You will collect an additional $200 or a total of $400.

Tips to making the best property purchases in Monopoly

Always be aware of the properties players land on the least and most

In the game, the properties that are landed on the least often are on Baltic and Mediterranean Avenues, while the properties that are most landed on are on Tennessee, NY, and St. James Place Avenues. This also includes Illinois Avenue as well as the B&O Railroad.

The most frequent landings are because of their proximity to Jail, so buying properties on them is a quick ticket to making more money from rival players – especially when you buy orange properties.

Purchase many properties quickly

The rule of the game is simple – the more buildings you own, the higher the amount of money you will get from any opponent that lands on your properties. Therefore, buying as many buildings as possible when you start the game is always best to ensure you have a higher chance of winning.

In light of this, you do not need to wait until you land on “prestigious” avenues or buildings to buy them. Aim to buy any open property you land on because the game itself discourages an attitude of conservative playing.

Make a series of monopolies

Avoid leaving open spaces in a color group to maximize your winning chances because rival players will buy them. Instead, purchase open spaces as much as possible, especially if none of your rivals own property in a color group. The more properties you own in a color group, the closer you are to creating a monopoly.

Additionally, creating a monopoly allows you to add hotels and houses, which boosts your income in the game and increases your bargaining power when property trades happen.

Purchase properties that your rivals want

Always prioritize buying properties that other players want because this will prevent them from creating monopolies – and they will have to come to you when they want to trade.

Buy a minimum of three houses on each property as soon as possible

Once you achieve your goal of getting a monopoly, create buildings immediately and get three houses on every property you own. This will ensure you earn more money, increasing your winning chances.

Conclusion

These guidelines on Monopoly properties should give you a better idea to boost your winning chances and make the most of your resources in the game. Overall, the orange properties are the best ones to own, and prioritizing them while spreading your resources wisely across the other color groups will ensure you have a winning strategy.

FAQs

What are the three best color set properties to own in Monopoly?

You should aim for the Orange, Red, and Light Blue sets because they are the most profitable and easiest to develop.

What is the most important property I should own in Monopoly?

Illinois Avenue is the most valuable property you can own.

What is the least landed-on Monopoly property?

Mediterranean Avenue is the least likely, followed by Baltic Avenue, Park Place, and Oriental Avenue.

Should I buy every property I land on in Monopoly?

As much as possible, yes, you should. This will give you a better chance of creating a “natural” monopoly and controlling other players.