How to Buy Investment Property in Australia?

More and more property investors and even foreign investors are looking to Australia as a place to park their money. And with good reason – the country has a stable political environment, a strong economy, and a history of providing good returns on investment.

In fact, there has been a steady increase in both domestic and foreign investment in the Australian property market over the past few years. According to CoreLogic, in the 12 months to July 2022, investment in Australian property rose by 11.2%. Check out some tips below from one of the most reputable buyers agents in Brisbane

Understanding the basics of investment property purchase

Most property investors make the mistake of thinking that investing in property is the same as buying a home to live in. But there are important differences that you need to be aware of before you take the plunge.

Land appreciates while building depreciates

The purchase price of a property is composed of two parts: the land value and the building value. As a general principle, the land's value is expected to increase while the building depreciates.

Why does land value appreciate?

Land is a limited resource, and as the population grows, the demand for land increases. In other words, this applies the principle of supply and demand.

This combination of factors tends to drive up land prices over time. In addition, land that is located near desirable amenities such as good schools, parks, and public transportation tends to appreciate at a faster rate than other types of land.

Another reason that land values tend to appreciate is because it usually takes longer to develop land than it does to build on it.

Why do houses depreciate?

Houses, like any other physical asset, depreciate over time. This is because they are subject to the forces of wear and tear, which eventually take their toll. The good news is that houses can be repaired and maintained, which can help to slow down the rate of depreciation.

However, even with regular upkeep, houses will eventually reach a point where they need to be replaced. The main reason for this is that materials degrade over time, and it becomes more and more expensive to keep repairing them. In addition, changing technology means that newer houses are often more energy-efficient and easier to maintain than older ones.

As a result, it is typically cheaper to demolish an old house and erect a new one in its place. While this may seem like a waste, it is actually a very efficient way of ensuring that our built environment remains in good condition.

Principle of Supply and Demand

When it comes to property, it's all about supply and demand. If there are more people looking to buy or rent a property than there are properties available, prices will go up. On the other hand, if there is an oversupply of properties relative to demand, prices will go down.

It's important to understand both the demand-side and supply-side drivers when considering whether or not to invest in a particular property or area.

For example, just because a suburb has a rapidly growing population doesn't necessarily mean that property prices will rise. If there is nearby land that can be easily developed for new housing, this increased supply will help meet the growing demand and prevent prices from skyrocketing.

Ultimately, by paying attention to both the demand and supply sides of the equation, you can make more informed decisions about where and when to invest in property.

What to look for when buying an investment property in Australia?

Real estate experts often say that there are three key things to look for when buying property: location, location, and location.

While it’s true that location is important, it’s not the only thing you should consider. Here are some other factors to keep in mind:

  • The property type: Is it a house, unit, townhouse, or apartment?
  • The property size: How many bedrooms and bathrooms does it have?
  • The property age: Is it brand new or established?
  • The property’s condition: Is it in need of repairs or renovations?
  • The rental yield: What is the weekly rent amount and how does it compare to the purchase price?
  • The capital growth potential: What is the long-term outlook for the area and the property itself?

By taking all of these factors into account, you can make a more informed decision about which property investment is right for you. Working with a buyers agent will also give you access to off market property opportunities, not available to anyone else. 

What is required for buying a property as an investment in Australia?

The simple answer? Is quite a bit of cash, or good equity in another property. But, of course, it's never that simple. In order to purchase an investment property in Australia, you will need to have a deposit of at least 5% of the purchase price.

Aside from the deposit, you will also need to have the following:

1. Stamp duty

All buyers are required to pay stamp duty on their property purchases. The amount you will need to pay depends on the state or territory in which the property is located, as well as the purchase price.

2. Lenders Mortgage Insurance

If you are borrowing more than 80% of the purchase price, you will also be required to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). This is a one-off premium that is paid to the lender in order to ensure them against the risk of default.

3. Legal fees and disbursements

You will also need to budget for legal fees and disbursements, which can range from $500 to $2,000.

4. Pest and building inspections

Before you purchase a property, it is highly recommended that you get a pest and building inspection. This will give you an idea of any potential problems that may need to be addressed.

5. FIRB approval

If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you will need to obtain Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval before you can purchase an investment property.

6. Property management fees

If you are planning on renting out your property investment, you will need to factor in the cost of a good property manager. These typically range from 5% to 10% of the weekly rent amount.

7. Conveyancing fees

You will need to budget for conveyancing fees. These fees cover the cost of transferring the ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer.

8. Body corporate fees

If you are purchasing a unit or townhouse, you will need to pay body corporate fees. These cover the costs of maintaining common areas and amenities.

9. Land tax

You may also be required to pay land tax, depending on the state or territory in which the property is located.

10. Building insurance

It is also a good idea to take out building insurance, in case the property is damaged or destroyed.

11. Council rates

You will need to pay council rates, which cover the cost of maintaining local roads, parks, and other public amenities.

12. Landlord insurance

If you are renting out your property investment, you will need to take out landlord insurance. This covers the cost of damage caused by tenants, as well as any legal fees that may be incurred.

13. Maintenance and repairs

You will also need to budget for any maintenance costs and repairs that need to be carried out on the property such as painting, plumbing, or electrical work.

14. Capital gains tax

If you sell your investment property, you may be required to pay capital gains tax.

So, as you can see, there is quite a lot to consider before you purchase a property investment in Australia. However, if you do your homework and take all of the necessary precautions, you can be sure that you are making a wise investment.

How to buy an investment property in 5 steps

It's no secret that real estate investing can be a great way to build your wealth. However, it's also a big financial commitment. So, before you take the plunge, it's important to do your research and understand the process. Here are 5 steps to help you get started:

1. Do your research

Before you start looking for a property investment, it's important to do your research. You need to understand the market and know what you're looking for. It's also a good idea to get an idea of the costs involved, such as stamp duty, legal fees, strata fees, and body corporate fees.

2. Get your finances in order

Before you start looking at properties, it's important to get your finances in order. This means getting pre-approved for a investment property loan and finding out how much you can afford to borrow. It's also a good idea to have a buffer in place, in case there are any unexpected costs.

3. Find the right property

Once you know what you're looking for, it's time to start looking for properties. It's important to find a property that meets your needs and is in a good location. You also need to conduct due diligence and make sure that the property is structurally sound and has the potential to grow in value.

4. Make an offer

Once you've found the right property, it's time to make an offer. This is usually done through a real estate agent. It's important to remember that the seller is not obliged to accept your offer, so you need to be prepared to negotiate.

5. Exchange contracts

Once the seller has accepted your offer, you will need to sign the contract of sale. This is a legally binding document, so it's important to make sure that you understand all of the terms and conditions. Once the contract is signed, you will have exchanged contracts and the sale will be finalised.

Now that you know how to buy a property investment in Australia, it's time to start looking for your perfect investment. By following these steps, you can be sure that you are making a wise investment and building your wealth for the future.

Questions to ask when buying an investment property

As a smart property investor, you know the importance of doing your research before making any financial decision. So, before you purchase a property investment in Australia, here are 10 questions that you should ask:

1. What is the current market value of the property?

Knowing the market value of the property is important, as it will help you to decide how much you should offer. It's also a good idea to get a property valuation so that you can be sure that you're paying a fair price.

2. What is the gross rental yield?

The gross rental yield is the amount of annual rent that you can expect to receive, divided by the purchase price of the rental property. It's a good way to measure the potential return on your investment.

3. What are the ongoing expenses?

There are a number of ongoing expenses associated with owning a property investment, such as body corporate fees, council rates, strata fees, and insurance. It's important to factor these costs into your budget and make sure that you can afford them.

4. What is the potential for capital growth?

When you're buying a property investment, you need to think about the future. You need to make sure that the property has the potential to grow in value so that you can make a profit when you sell.

5. What are the risks?

As with any investment, there are always risks involved. It's important to understand these risks and make sure that you're comfortable with them. This includes the risk of default, the risk of negative gear, and the risk of vacancy.

6. What is taking place in the local market?

It's important to stay up-to-date with what's happening in the local market. This includes things like new developments, infrastructure projects, and population growth. All of these factors can have an impact on the value of your property investment.

7. What is the vacancy rate?

The vacancy rate is the percentage of properties that are vacant at any given time. It's a good indicator of the demand for rental properties in an area. A high vacancy rate could mean that there are more properties available than there are tenants, which could result in lower rental prices.

8. What is the median rent price?

The median rent price is the middle price point of all rents in an area. It's a good way to gauge the average rent price in an area. If the median rent price is high, it could mean that there is high demand for rental properties.

9. What are the demographics of the area?

The demographics of an area can have a big impact on the rental market. Things like the age, income, and employment status of the residents can all affect the demand for rental properties.

10. What are the transport links like?

The transport links in an area can impact the rental market. If there are good transport links, it could mean that there is high demand for rental properties from commuters.

When you're buying an investment property, it's important to do your research and ask the right questions. This will help you to make a well-informed decision and ensure that you're getting a good return on your investment.

Do investment property rules and taxes differ by the state in Australia?

Yes. The laws and taxes that apply to the acquisition of several properties in Australia might vary from one jurisdiction to the next. When choosing choices, it’s crucial to keep these distinctions in mind.

Stamp duty, a tax paid at the time of property purchase, is another. The stamp duty you must pay might vary widely from one state to the next.

So, before you invest, make sure to research the rules and regulations that apply in the state or territory where you’re looking to purchase a property. By doing so, you’ll be able to settle on the most prudent course of action.

Ready to take the plunge into the world of investment properties?

Pinnacle Buyers Agents are here to help. We’re a team of experienced professionals who specialise in finding and negotiating the purchase of investment properties. We’ll work with you to find the right property for your portfolio, and we’ll make sure that you get the best possible price. We specialise in helping people find investment property opportunities in Brisbane, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast

Whether you’re a first-time investor or a seasoned pro, we can help you find the right property and get the best return on your investment.

Book a free consultation today, and let us show you how we can help you grow your portfolio.

FAQs

Can I use my superannuation to buy an investment property?

Yes, definitely. You can use your super to buy an investment property in two ways: through a self-managed super fund or through an SMSF loan.

If you’re looking to buy an investment property through a SMSF, you’ll need to set up the SMSF first. Once the SMSF is established, you can then use it to purchase the property.

If you’re looking to buy an investment property through an SMSF loan, you’ll need to find a lender that offers this type of loan. Once you’ve found a lender, you can then apply for the loan and use the funds to purchase the property.

Whichever way you choose to use your super to buy an investment property, make sure that you do your research and seek professional advice to ensure that you’re making the best decision for your circumstances.

Can I get a tax deduction for an investment property?

Yes, you can get tax deductions. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows investors to claim deductions for a range of expenses associated with their property investments. These deductions can be claimed for things like interest on loans, repairs and maintenance, and depreciation.

To claim these deductions, you’ll need to keep records of your expenses and income from the property. You’ll also need to ensure that you comply with all relevant tax laws.

If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible to claim a deduction or how to go about claiming it, we recommend speaking to a qualified accountant or tax agent. They’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action for your circumstances.

What are the risks of investing in property?

There are a number of risks associated with investing in property, including the following:

  • The property market could crash, leaving you with a mortgage that’s worth more than the value of your property.
  • You could suffer from tenant damage or default, leaving you out of pocket.
  • Rising interest rates can make it more difficult to afford your mortgage repayments.
  • You could find yourself in a situation where you need to sell the property but there are no buyers.

 

Before you invest in property, it’s important to be aware of these risks and make sure that you’re comfortable with them. We also recommend speaking to a qualified financial advisor to get more detailed advice on the risks involved.

How can I minimise the risks of investing in property?

There are a number of ways you can minimise the risks of investing in property, including the following:

  • Diversify your portfolio by investing in different types of properties in different locations.
  • Research the housing market and make sure you’re aware of any potential risks before you invest.
  • Manage your expectations and be prepared for the possibility that your investment may not perform as well as you’d hoped.
  • Have a solid financial plan in place so that you know how much you can afford to spend on an investment property.
  • Work with a qualified professional who can help you find and purchase the right property for your portfolio.

 

By taking these steps, you can help to reduce the risks associated with investing in property. However, it’s important to remember that there is always a risk involved in any investment and there is no guarantee of success.

Is now a good time to invest in property?

Yes, of course it is! The timing of your investment will depend on a number of factors, including which property market to invest in (location), personal circumstances and your financial goals.

If you’re thinking about investing in property, we recommend speaking to a qualified professional who can help you make an informed decision about when and where to invest. They’ll be able to take into account all of the relevant factors and give you tailored advice for your situation.

Where should I buy an investment property?

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing where to buy an investment property, including the following:

  • The state of the local and interstate markets.
  • The potential for capital growth.
  • The rental income or yield.
  • The availability of properties.
  • The quality of the properties.
  • Supply and Demand Ratio
  • Infrastructure spending
  • Migration
  • Job Growth

 

When making your decision, it’s important to weigh up all of these factors and choose a location that meets your needs and goals. We also suggest consulting with a buyers agent who can offer you more precise recommendations for your situation.