New to Property Investing?

Buy, HouseEveryone wants to achieve financial independence beyond a basic wage. In the current climate, many are looking to invest in property. Interest rates are at an all time low and don’t look to be rising any time soon and reports from economic forecasters suggest housing prices are set to jump.  Property prices in Australia in March 2021 grew at their fastest rate since 1988 and as Vanguard explains, the surge in prices is currently global. In all the hype, it is important to stop, breathe, get advice and don’t dive in head first without a plan.

The following information will provide a foundation for your research to help you make an informed decision in investment.

1. Treat your investment property as a business.

For your investment to work for you, you need to ensure that it is structured correctly, managed by the right people, and supported by people with the technical knowledge and experience. You also have to check its financial viability and make sure it is compliant with government rules.

2. Don’t do it alone.

Investing in a property is a major financial decision and commitment. So make sure you understand the business and seek help from trusted advisors or financial planners.

Make the effort to educate yourself and read about market trends in newspapers or property publications, or surround yourself with those who are experts in these areas.

3. Research, research, research

The goal is to buy the right property, in the right location, at the right time and at the right price to maximise your gains.

As mentioned, you need to be educated on property investment before you make big decisions. Research the market, talk with local selling agents, read property and investment reports, or visit property websites online to gain some insights.

4. Invest sensibly

Buying the wrong property will not deliver your desired results, so you have to be really careful. Put yourself in the shoes of your target renters and ensure that your property meets their specific needs.

5. Cashflow is vital

Don’t overcommit financially– choose an investment property that you can afford to own, manage, and maintain.

Decide how much of your money can you commit upfront and on an ongoing basis. A professional advisor can help you come up with an accurate budget. You can also quantify the cash flow your investment will produce so you can be well-informed before you push through with it.

6. Tax, ownership and risk management

Every person has a unique financial position. Properties can be bought in personal name, in a trust, a company, a partnership, SMSF and as sole ownership, joint tenant or tenant in common. In some cases the choice you make now can have a massive difference on your outcomes and the transaction costs of stamp duty and capital gains tax couple with land registration and bank mortgage approvals make it difficult and costly to change your mind. Once a buyer name is on an Offer and Acceptance document you have locked yourself in and there is minimal flexibility to change this during a due diligence or finance approval period. The message is clear and simple:

seek advice on a potential property purchase before you start – assess your position, risks, tax implications, business structure and finance ideally before going to a home open and absolutely before putting pen to paper.

Getting Help From Experts

As a new property investor, it is wise to get all the advice you can get from experts to mitigate risks and maximise potential gains. If you need some help with key investment decisions and compliance matters, simply drop us a message and let us discuss what will work best for your specific situation.

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