August M
As families gather indoors over the holidays, board games are making a familiar return to living room tables. Few titles spark as much excitement – or friction – as Monopoly.
Now, one of Britain’s best-known financial experts has weighed in with advice that could change how the game unfolds.
According to Mirror Money, Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis has shared what he believes is the most effective strategy for winning at Monopoly. He outlined the approach in a clip posted on Instagram, taken from his 2024 show How to Win at Board Games.
A costly classic
Monopoly has been a household staple for generations, with the aim of becoming the richest player by buying, trading and developing properties. The ultimate goal is to bankrupt all opponents through rent collection.
Despite countless themed editions, the core rules remain the same, and so do the arguments that often arise when the board comes out. Many players swear by personal tactics, such as targeting certain colour groups or rushing to build hotels.
Lewis argues that a more measured approach can deliver far better results.
Three-house rule
In his video, Lewis focused on the impact of building houses rather than rushing toward hotels. He said that buying just three houses can significantly increase a player’s earning power.
“Why just three houses? Well, this is probably the biggest power move,” he said.
Lewis explained that, on average across the Monopoly board, buying one house delivers a return of about 26 percent. A second house boosts that return to around 56 percent, reports Mirror.
Big jump
The real advantage comes, he said, when a player owns three houses across different properties. At that point, the return on investment rises to roughly 110 percent.
“After that, the incremental gain isn’t as good,” Lewis said. His strategy is to build three houses on properties first, before spreading development evenly across the rest of the portfolio.
Only once all properties have reached three houses should players consider upgrading to hotels, he advised.
Online reaction
The tip quickly sparked reactions online. Many praised Lewis for applying financial logic to the famously cut-throat board game.
“Can’t wait to ruin the family Christmas with this,” one commenter joked.
Another wrote: “Do you have any financial advice on affording a divorce after implementing this strategy?”
A third added: “One of your only videos I will not be sharing with my friends,” notes Mirror.
Sources: Mirror Money
