Invest
6 steps to a stronger property portfolio in 2019
Property investors are being encouraged to start the new year off by revisiting their investment portfolio to ensure they are financially prepared to handle 2019.
6 steps to a stronger property portfolio in 2019
Property investors are being encouraged to start the new year off by revisiting their investment portfolio to ensure they are financially prepared to handle 2019.
Angeline Mann, director at independent property valuation and advisory firm Herron Todd White, has outlined six steps for property investors to tackle their finances.
“There’s no doubt the start of each year provides an opportunity to reassess your goals and make plans for achieving more – whether that be health, wealth or happiness,” Ms Mann said.
“Making moves now to prepare for real estate dealings in the year ahead means you won’t look back with regret come December.”
Here are Ms Mann’s top six suggestions:
- Do your budget
According to Ms Mann, now is the time for investors to get their balance sheets in order, as tight lending conditions look set to continue over the medium term. This, she said, will reveal opportunities to tighten up spending.
“Now is the time to get your financial affairs in order so you can put forward a strong case to the lenders when a prospect to buy arises,” she said.
“Banks currently scrutinise household spending going back three to six months during the approval process, so be ready for a future loan application by implementing your new home budget straight away.”
Ms Mann affirmed that despite the tough borrowing conditions, investors should not be dissuaded, as banks remain interested in lending to good candidates.
“Be among this desirable subset and take advantage by shopping around your business,” she said.
- Check your leases
Ms Mann recommended that landlords revisit the details of their existing leases well ahead of renewal, as rising residential vacancy rates pose a risk in capital cities.
“In some cases, avoiding a rent rise – or even lowering the rent come renewal time – means you can keep a good tenant longer and reduce your vacancy,” she advised.
“If your $500-per-week property is vacant for three weeks, that’s $1,500 in lost income. A better solution would be to reduce the rent to $480 a week and keep the tenant in place.”
Ms Mann also suggested landlords conduct their research and set their leases to expire during seasonal peaks. This will likely help to ensure the property is leased quickly during times of tenant turnover.
“While in most instances, rental demand is highest in January or July, it can vary by location, so do some research to determine when tenant demand is peaking in your patch.”
It is also worthwhile finding out if there have been any updates to tenancy laws in your state, she said.
“There’s been some major changes to rental legislation across Victoria, while new rules are about to be introduced in New South Wales,” she said.
“Other states, such as Queensland, look to be considering changes too. Be across any tenancy laws now by staying in contact with your property manager.”
- Collect sales and rentals information
Ms Mann recommended that investors brush up on their knowledge of the completed sales or rentals in their suburb over the past three to six months in order to get a gauge of the local markets direction.
“If you have selected a location, start putting together a file of properties that have sold and/or leased in your price point straight away,” she said.
“This will educate you on what the market is doing and provide accurate evidence as to what you should pay for an investment property so you can secure it quickly.
“Keeping a record of transactions is invaluable, and a file compiled over a minimum three to six months is absolutely essential.”
- Look into markets outside the cities
According to Ms Mann, savvy investors will venture further afield over the next year to find opportunities outside of the capital markets, as cities such as Sydney and Melbourne continue to experience significant falls.
She recommended investors turn their attentions to regional areas and the smaller capitals of Brisbane and Adelaide for growth opportunities in 2019.
“A strengthening in the tourism and agricultural industries has resulted in price rises across many previously underperforming markets in regional Australia,” she explained.
“Don’t be tethered to past biases about markets – consider those lesser-known locations as well.”
- Assess your investment goals
For those looking to employ their investment property as an asset in retirement, Ms Mann said it was important to develop an investment strategy and understand market timings in order to achieve desired returns.
“You may need to delay or amend your plans if markets are softening – just be flexible so you can achieve your goals,” she said.
- Speak to your advisers
Importantly, Ms Mann advised investors to discuss with their solicitors, accountants and other professional advisers before venturing into potential growth markets outside of the capital cities to ensure that they are best taking advantage of current markets.
“Building relationships with advisers now means that when opportunities arise during 2019, you’ll be prepared to get the speedy answers you need to make fast, well-informed decisions,” she said.
“Also, be sure to deal with professionals that have a long-standing reputation of independence.
“Bad advice can bring about disastrous outcomes. Look for experts who have a strong track record and no special interests beyond looking after their clients.”
Nest egg also ponders on the Grass Is Greener On The Other Side For Investors.
Property
Property prices boosted by housing policies: RBA
The central bank has outlined the “pervasive” impact that policy has on property. ...Read more
Property
Labor’s ‘Help to Buy’ scheme not without its risks
With Anthony Albanese sworn in as Australia’s 31st PM, home buyers are excited at the prospect of accessing the new ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, but a property expert has warned that the risks may be g...Read more
Property
Australia's housing market is entering a ‘broad-based correction phase’
Westpac believes the housing market downturn is now underway. ...Read more
Property
ANZ now expects house prices will end the year lower
With higher interest rates on the horizon, the bank is forecasting larger house price declines than previously expected. ...Read more
Property
Which capital cities are most attractive to property investors?
A new survey has suggested that investor attention is shifting away from Australia’s two largest capital cities. ...Read more
Property
Market uncertainty fails to discourage foreign property investors
While interest from foreign investors in Australian property has remained strong, HLB Mann Judd warned that tax increases could see demand shift to other markets. ...Read more
Property
Regional renters forced to spend more of their income than ever before
Renters in regional areas are spending nearly as much on rent as home owners are spending on mortgage repayments. ...Read more
Property
Aussie home buyers now need to save for over 11 years for a deposit
Since early 2020, the time needed to save for a deposit has increased by more than two years. ...Read more
Wrapping up an eventful 2021
Listen now
What Omicron means for property, and are units right for first-time buyers? What is equity crowdfunding? Are industry super funds tapping into member funds to save their skins?
Listen now
Will housing affordability improve in 2022? Will buy now, pay later become the norm? Why are Aussies staying in failing super products?
Listen now
Who really benefits from crypto ETFs? How will the RBA respond to rising inflation? Could a mandate help address unpaid super?
Listen now
Property
Property prices boosted by housing policies: RBA
The central bank has outlined the “pervasive” impact that policy has on property. ...Read more
Property
Labor’s ‘Help to Buy’ scheme not without its risks
With Anthony Albanese sworn in as Australia’s 31st PM, home buyers are excited at the prospect of accessing the new ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, but a property expert has warned that the risks may be g...Read more
Property
Australia's housing market is entering a ‘broad-based correction phase’
Westpac believes the housing market downturn is now underway. ...Read more
Property
ANZ now expects house prices will end the year lower
With higher interest rates on the horizon, the bank is forecasting larger house price declines than previously expected. ...Read more
Property
Which capital cities are most attractive to property investors?
A new survey has suggested that investor attention is shifting away from Australia’s two largest capital cities. ...Read more
Property
Market uncertainty fails to discourage foreign property investors
While interest from foreign investors in Australian property has remained strong, HLB Mann Judd warned that tax increases could see demand shift to other markets. ...Read more
Property
Regional renters forced to spend more of their income than ever before
Renters in regional areas are spending nearly as much on rent as home owners are spending on mortgage repayments. ...Read more
Property
Aussie home buyers now need to save for over 11 years for a deposit
Since early 2020, the time needed to save for a deposit has increased by more than two years. ...Read more
More articles
Website Notifications
Get notifications in real-time for staying up to date with content that matters to you.
