afg-home-loans_2022_header_rgb

What to research before you invest

research-before-you-invest

Even first-time home buyers, who may not be able to own where they want to live, are dipping their toe in the investment market.

With many Australians still eyeing property as part of their wealth and retirement strategy, it’s more important than ever to make a wise investment.

Vacancy rates

Capital growth is important but so is cash flow.

Do your homework on vacancy rates and rental returns in your target market. An empty property won’t repay your loan. A higher vacancy rate may not signal a poor investment – just as a low vacancy rate is no guarantee – but it does mean being prepared to cover any rent gaps if the property sits empty.

It also pays to be wary of building booms. A surge in development doesn’t necessarily equal demand, so research the volume of properties in your market, and in the pipeline, against population and jobs growth.

Keep tabs on property news websites and real estate research sites for a bunch of useful free stats, including vacancy rates and rental yields.

See for yourself

Reports and recommendations can be helpful but nothing beats first-hand experience when it comes to property.

Spend time in the suburbs you’re researching and take note of what’s hot and what’s not. Are the local shops busy? Are the schools in high demand? Are locals out and about in parks and playgrounds? These are each healthy signs of life. Talk to the local newsagent or greengrocer about neighbourhood trends. Are older people moving on and younger people moving in?

Remember, it’s not about whether you would like to live there, but rather the suburb or town’s ability to attract and retain others.

Scope out the area

We’ve all heard about the worst house in the best street, but what about the next best or even third-best suburb? Keep an eye on sought-after suburbs and, particularly, those surrounding it.

As popularity drives up prices in one postcode, it’s not uncommon for demand to eventually ripple out one or two suburbs further. Use the current hotspots for renters and buyers as pointers to more affordable, emerging locations.

What should you pay?

The adage that a property is only worth what someone is prepared to pay rings true. But what should you pay? An independent property valuation might have the answer. For a reasonably low fee a reputable valuer will inspect the property inside and out and make an assessment based on local property data to inform your offer.

Just be mindful that your lender may still want to get their own valuation, which may quote a different valuation amount, and may be at an additional cost to your loan origination fees.

Pipeline projects

Infrastructure is key when it comes to property. Renters are looking for convenience and connectivity, which means:

  • Reliable public transport,
  • Easy shopping, and
  • Proximity to jobs.

Ask the local council what projects are on the slate to improve access, drive economic growth or regenerate disused zones.

You can also check on big-ticket public projects at Infrastructure Australia.

Capital gains vs rental return

Rent is your cash flow to retain the property, but capital gain is what creates equity and an opportunity to secure other investments.

New investors should aim to strike a balance between a sustainable rental return and a steady increase in value over time.

Get your strata straight

If you are buying an apartment, make sure you know exactly what’s included in the strata title and have it included in the sale contract. Is there, for example, a garage, parking space or storage facilities?

Apartments and units in a development can also attract body corporate fees. Usually, the fancier the complex – pool, gym, plush gardens – the higher the fees. Ask to review the financials in the body corporate disclosure. This will tell you how much is in the sinking fund for building repairs or upgrades, and what projects are being planned. An insufficient sinking fund could mean owners will be asked to cough up for extraordinary expenses such as roof replacement or external rendering if they arise in the future.

You should also check the disclosure to make sure you have adequate insurance cover on the building and other communal assets. If underinsured, and disaster strikes, owners could be asked to make up the difference on repairs.

Talk to us

If you’re looking to buy an investment property, but you’re unsure where to start, take a look at our investing goals with helpful tips to start your investing journey.

Or if you would prefer, talk to an AFG broker to navigate the lending options and track down the most competitive rate and suitable loan structure for your investment strategy.

Please note Australian Finance Group Ltd and its related entities does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Any information contained in this document is of a general nature only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or need of any particular person and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. Therefore, before making any decision, you should consider the information with regard to those matters and consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in or considering the appropriateness of any transaction.

More from AFG Home Loans

By the time we save for our first home, upgrade to a bigger or better one, earn enough money to pay the mortgage and bills and live life in between, it’s not surprising many of u

AFG Home Loans Pty Ltd is part of the ASX listed Australian Finance Group Ltd (AFG), one of Australia’s leading mortgage broking firms for almost a quarter of a century.

The information provided is a short summary and is not everything you need to know to select a product and features that are appropriate for your needs and requirements. All information is subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions and lending criteria may apply. Fees and charges may be varied or introduced in the future.

AFG Home Loans Pty Ltd | ACN 153 255 559 | Australian Credit Licence 411913

I want to buy my first home

Buying your first home is exciting, but it’s a big step to take and one that comes with many questions and decisions.

I'm considering refinancing

Situations change, perhaps you’ve changed jobs, a new addition to the family? Maybe you would just like a better rate?

I'm looking to buy an investment

Research and having the right people to help you are the keys when investing in property.

I'm thinking about buying my next home

Whether you’re looking to upsize, downsize, relocate, or buy that dream holiday home.

I'm looking to build a new home

Building your own house can be a wonderful experience – but it can also be expensive.

Retro

The classic home loan with modern features.

Link

Flexible loans for borrowers looking for solutions outside the box.

Bright

Tailored loans to support diverse needs.

Align

A versatile home loan with no ongoing fees.

Edge

Simple competitive home loans with all the essentials.

Alpha

Tailor your finance with a versatile range of loan options.

Options

A finance solution for those who may not meet standard criteria.