THE STARTING GUIDE
Before the suburb,
understand the numbers
A practical starting guide for Australian investment property research.
The money available
Bring savings and any estimated equity into view. Keep estimates separate from money you can actually access. A professional lending assessment may produce a different figure.
Existing commitments
List home loans, personal loans, credit facilities and other ongoing commitments. The balance alone does not show the effect of repayments on household cash flow.
Regular cash flow
Understand what remains after normal household expenses and commitments. Use realistic spending figures and allow for expenses that arrive quarterly or annually.
The costs of buying
Research duty where applicable, legal work, inspections and finance costs. Check the amount, timing and source of each estimate.
Rental evidence
Compare an estimate with recent comparable rentals. Consider condition, vacancy and local supply alongside the headline rent.
Ongoing ownership costs
Allow for insurance, rates, management, repairs and strata costs where relevant. Ask what happens to the budget if rent pauses or an expense increases.
The buffer afterwards
Consider the money remaining after purchase and how it would support unexpected costs. Your research may point to proceeding, adjusting the plan or waiting. Each can be a useful outcome.
Further reading
WHEN YOU ARE READY
Let’s talk about your property plans
Tell us where you are now and where you want to go. Our team will help you identify the next step.