Invest
Top tips to consider before buying that investment property
Getting serious about property investment can be nerve-racking, but very fruitful if you get it right.

Top tips to consider before buying that investment property
Getting serious about property investment can be nerve-racking, but very fruitful if you get it right.

I usually tell a new property investor to consider the following nine things when starting in property investing. Understanding that each person’s needs are different, I will cover these points broadly below.
1. What’s your end goal?
Understanding your objectives is key to finding the right investment property. The actual property itself is never the end goal when it comes to investment. It’s the financial element you’re really concerned about –capital growth and rental return (yield).
First and foremost, decide what your end goal is, whether it be wealth creation or debt reduction, and we will work together to create a plan to get there within a realistic time frame, with the help of our other professional partners in financial planning and accounting. Remember to review this plan regularly as your situation and the property market changes.
2. What can you actually afford?
Always check your financials before you decide to purchase a property, making sure there has been no new lending changes or policies or even more suitable offers. Have a strategy in place before you begin, and get a written pre-approval to make sure you have all extra costs available, including conveyancing, inspections, legals and any duties – and always ensure you have a financial buffer.
3. Leave your emotions at the door
This is not a home for you so there doesn’t need to be an emotional connection to it. It should always be about which property will give you a solid return, not which one is most suited to your furniture.
4. House or units?
Understanding what property is going to best work for your situation is key. It needs to be a property that will be in hot demand from renters and possible owner-occupiers down the track. It’s best to do your research to see what types of properties are renting quickly and what properties are staying on the market for longer periods of time.
5. Old or new?
It’s the age-old debate: should you buy a renovator’s delight or something you can rent straight away? It’s great if it can be rented out as is, but potential to renovate should also be considered. The ability to add value to the property is a good tick, as it will increase rental returns. Don’t immediately write off a property just because it needs a paint job or the kitchen cabinets need to be replaced.
6. Location, location, location
Location is critical to performance. Things to consider when it comes to location include:
• How far it is to the CBD or business area?
• What is the proximity to schools?
• Are local shops within walking distance or will tenants have to get in their car to pick up the essentials?
• Local industry, new jobs and current main employers in the area, along with potential council improvements?
• Where are the public transport options?
• What other amenities are close by?
7. Features
You want to appeal to the highest number of tenants, so look for properties that offer that little something extra, like a second bathroom or a double lock-up garage.
Also look at properties that appeal to many segments. For example, a lift may appeal to both retirees and a young family, as both will be looking to avoid stairs. Just make sure the benefits outweigh any extra costs.
8. Timing
You need to understand the market and the dynamics. Check the history of the property and location. While there are investment opportunities around most of the time, some market conditions are more favourable. Do some serious homework.
Neil Carstairs, founder, Mortgage Corp

Property
House price surge to cause ‘social and political problems’: ANZ
Rising house prices spurred on by low interest rates are “raising eyebrows” and could create “real social and political problems”, ANZ’s CEO has warned. ...Read more

Property
How important is a buyer’s agent in a rising market?
In a hotly contested seller’s market, investors are being alerted to the importance of a good buyer’s agent. ...Read more

Property
First home buyers guide: Grants and assistance in each state and territory
The federal and local governments have launched several grants and assistance programs to help their citizens achieve the great Australian dream of owning a home. ...Read more

Property
Transition period announced ahead of tenancy moratorium end
With the end of the moratorium on evictions in sight, the NSW government has announced a new measure aimed to assist the residential tenancy market transition back to pre-COVID conditions. ...Read more

Property
First home buyers brace for strengthening headwinds
While Australian first home buyers dominated the market in 2020, increasing their market share by 50.4 per cent in the past year, they're likely to face strengthening headwinds as prices soar. ...Read more

Property
Australia’s most popular rental suburbs revealed
Tenants should brace themselves for rental price hikes as tightening vacancy rates continue across the country, new research has revealed. ...Read more

Property
Australian home values rise at fastest rate in 17 years
Overall, Australian home values surged 2.1 per cent higher in February, the largest month-on-month change in CoreLogic’s national home value index since August 2003. ...Read more

Property
Housing finance records continue to tumble
Australian housing loan commitment has reached another record high in January, rising by 10.5 per cent in the last month alone, official figures show. ...Read more

Property
House price surge to cause ‘social and political problems’: ANZ
Rising house prices spurred on by low interest rates are “raising eyebrows” and could create “real social and political problems”, ANZ’s CEO has warned. ...Read more

Property
How important is a buyer’s agent in a rising market?
In a hotly contested seller’s market, investors are being alerted to the importance of a good buyer’s agent. ...Read more

Property
First home buyers guide: Grants and assistance in each state and territory
The federal and local governments have launched several grants and assistance programs to help their citizens achieve the great Australian dream of owning a home. ...Read more

Property
Transition period announced ahead of tenancy moratorium end
With the end of the moratorium on evictions in sight, the NSW government has announced a new measure aimed to assist the residential tenancy market transition back to pre-COVID conditions. ...Read more

Property
First home buyers brace for strengthening headwinds
While Australian first home buyers dominated the market in 2020, increasing their market share by 50.4 per cent in the past year, they're likely to face strengthening headwinds as prices soar. ...Read more

Property
Australia’s most popular rental suburbs revealed
Tenants should brace themselves for rental price hikes as tightening vacancy rates continue across the country, new research has revealed. ...Read more

Property
Australian home values rise at fastest rate in 17 years
Overall, Australian home values surged 2.1 per cent higher in February, the largest month-on-month change in CoreLogic’s national home value index since August 2003. ...Read more

Property
Housing finance records continue to tumble
Australian housing loan commitment has reached another record high in January, rising by 10.5 per cent in the last month alone, official figures show. ...Read more