Buying an investment property

If you are just starting out on your investment portfolio journey, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. Between understanding your finances and knowing when, where and what to buy, there are a range of factors that need to be considered.

To help you on this journey and make the entire process as smooth as possible, we’ve compiled some of the best tips to ensure that your investment property brings you the rewards you’re looking for.

Calculate your costs
Buying an investment property is a major financial responsibility. The first factor to consider is how much you can actually afford. It is important to remember that buying an investment property means more than just the cost of the mortgage, you will also need to factor in expenses like repairs, improvements, real estate fees and landlord’s insurance. If you’re purchasing a property with a body corporate, they will also have fees that need to be added in.

If you want to find out how much you can borrow, we recommend having a chat with a home lending specialist. They’ll be able to let you know the maximum amount you can borrow and will discuss all of the potential costs involved.

Have a backup plan
While a tenant paying rent can help to cover some the costs involved with an investment property, there may be times when the property is left vacant. Having a contingency to cover these down times is important. Research the costs involved in your situation to ensure you are getting the best deal for your money. This can help when considering lenders and insurance providers, too.

Buy with your head, not your heart
Once you have all the costs sorted, the next step is considering what type of property you would like to purchase. Be sure to leave your emotions at home! Remember that this property will not be your ‘dream home’, or the home you want to live in.

Put the focus on location, with good access to public transport, shops and schools. Consider the pros and cons of buying a brand new property or an older property. If your budget is too tight for a house, look at units and townhouses in the area.

Timing is everything
Buying an investment property is all about timing. It’s recommended you buy when prices have dropped and just before a price rise. Keeping your eye on the market is important so that you can gauge the best time to buy and the right time to sell. You also need to consider your preferred investment strategy – will you take a long-term view or will you aim to turn it over in a few years?

Get good advice
With such a major life decision at hand, it’s a great idea to ask for advice. Reputable financial planners, your accountant and a solicitor (especially if you’re buying jointly with a friend or family member) can all be great places to get the information you need to make the right decisions about purchasing your investment property.

Sometimes well-meaning family members will try to influence your decision. It’s important to look at their success, or lack thereof, with a property before you follow their advice. Beware of those who claim to know everything but haven’t been able to make it work for themselves. If in doubt, always see the professionals who really know the market and can talk honestly with you about your finances.

This is for general information purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product or other professional advice. You should seek your own independent financial, legal and taxation advice before making any decision about any action in relation to the material in this article. Railways Credit Union Limited trading as MOVE Bank ABN 91 087 651 090. AFSL/ Australian Credit License number 234 536 | ABN 91 087 651