Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of investment strategies available in the Australian property market?
You’re not alone.
It’s natural to feel a bit lost when deciding where to put your hard-earned money, especially when it comes to something as significant as property investment.
“What if I choose the wrong strategy and end up losing money?” you may be asking yourself.
We hear you, and we understand that feeling of uncertainty.
In this article, we’ll provide insights into Australia’s most popular investment property strategies, so you can make an informed decision and start building your wealth.
Why Is It Important to Have a Property Investment Strategy?
Without a clear plan, your investment journey may lack direction and purpose, leaving you vulnerable to impulsive decisions or falling prey to market fluctuations.
On the other hand, a well-defined strategy provides a solid foundation, helping you make informed choices and stay focused on achieving your financial goals in the property market.
Research shows that investors who follow a specific strategy are more likely to achieve their financial goals. According to a study by CoreLogic, 72% of successful property investors had a clear investment strategy in place.
These investors were able to weather market fluctuations and capitalise on opportunities when they arose.
Consider the story of James and Sarah, two investors with vastly different approaches. James jumped into the market without a plan, buying properties based on gut feelings and chasing after “hot” trends.
However, Sarah took the time to research and develop a strategy aligned with her financial goals and risk tolerance. Over time, Sarah’s thoughtful approach paid off, as her portfolio outperformed James’s by a significant margin.
Having a strategy improves your chances of success and reduces stress and anxiety associated with the unknown.
Having said that, having an investment strategy doesn’t mean you’re locked into one approach for the rest of your investing journey.
In fact, successful investors often recognise the need to adapt and evolve their strategies in response to changing market conditions, personal circumstances, and financial goals.
As you gain experience and knowledge, you might find that your original plan no longer serves your best interests. For instance, you might start with a negative gearing strategy, but as your financial situation changes, you may decide to switch to a buy-and-hold approach to capitalise on steady rental income.
Being open to change and reassessing your strategy periodically can help you stay ahead of the game and make the most of the opportunities that come your way.
The key is to be flexible yet intentional in your decision-making, always keeping your long-term objectives in mind.
How Do You Decide on a Strategy?
The process may seem daunting, but with a few key considerations, you can identify the right approach for you.
Let’s explore the steps to finding your ideal investment strategy:
1. Assess your financial goals and timeline
Are you aiming for short-term gains or long-term wealth? What are your cash flow needs? You need to clearly understand your objectives, as different strategies cater to various investment horizons and income preferences.
2. Evaluate your risk tolerance
How comfortable are you with market fluctuations and potential downturns? Some strategies carry higher risks but offer greater rewards, while others provide stability and lower returns. The level of risk you are comfortable with can guide your strategy.
3. Consider the importance of research
Delving into the property market can reveal valuable insights that may challenge common assumptions. For example, it’s easy to assume that booming areas always make for great investments, but a deeper analysis might uncover hidden gems in less prominent locations.
Stay curious and open-minded as you explore different investment opportunities.
4. Seek expert advice
Property investment is a complex field, and there’s no shame in consulting professionals for guidance. Mortgage brokers, financial planners, and real estate agents can provide invaluable information tailored to your unique situation.
7 Popular Property Investment Strategies
Here are seven of the best property investment strategies in Australia.
Buy and Hold
“Buy and hold” is a classic investment strategy that has stood the test of time. At its core, this approach involves purchasing and holding onto a property for an extended period, allowing its value to appreciate while generating rental income.
The beauty of the buy-and-hold property investment strategy lies in its simplicity and long-term perspective. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, property prices have increased by an average of 6.8% per year over the past 25 years.
Buy and hold may not deliver immediate riches, but it offers a stable, long-term approach to property investment that has proven successful for many.
Negative Gearing
“Negative gearing” is an investment strategy that might initially seem counterintuitive but has advantages. In essence, it involves purchasing a property where the rental income is less than the expenses, such as mortgage interest and maintenance costs, resulting in a net loss.
Why would anyone deliberately seek a loss?
The answer lies in tax benefits.
In Australia, investors can offset this net loss against their other income, reducing their taxable income and, consequently, their tax payable. This can be particularly attractive for high-income earners looking to lower their tax burden.
According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, around 60% of Australian property investors use negative gearing, making it a popular strategy. However, it’s crucial to remember that the end goal is capital growth.
Investors bank on the property’s value appreciating over time, eventually offsetting the initial losses and generating profits.
Negative gearing isn’t for everyone; it requires a higher risk tolerance and a long-term outlook. But for those willing to bear short-term losses in exchange for potential future gains, it can be a tax-effective and profitable strategy.
Positive Gearing
“Positive gearing” is a property investing strategy that generates immediate cash flow as the rental income from the property exceeds the expenses. This approach can particularly appeal to investors who prefer a steady income stream over waiting for capital growth.
Finding positively geared properties can be challenging, as they are often located in regional areas or less popular suburbs. However, investors can uncover these hidden gems with diligent research and an open mind. For example, a study by Propertyology revealed that over a five-year period, 39% of Australian suburbs had delivered positive cash flow for investors.
Positive gearing offers the advantage of immediate cash flow, but you must also consider the potential for capital growth.
The right balance between income and growth is the key to building a profitable property investment portfolio.
Using Equity
“Using equity” is a powerful strategy that allows investors to tap into the increased value of their existing investment properties to fund new investments.
Equity is the difference between your property’s market value and the outstanding mortgage balance. As property values rise over time, so does your equity.
This approach can accelerate wealth creation by leveraging the growth of one property to purchase another.
Using equity may initially seem complex, but professional guidance and a clear understanding of the concept can be a game-changer for property investors.
The key is to keep an eye on your property’s value, monitor market conditions, and seek expert advice to ensure you’re leveraging your equity effectively and responsibly.
House Flipping
“House flipping” is a high-risk, high-reward strategy that involves purchasing a property, making improvements or renovations, and then quickly reselling it for a profit. This approach demands a keen eye for undervalued properties and an understanding of renovation costs and market trends.
House flipping isn’t for the faint-hearted, as it requires a combination of market knowledge, renovation skills, and financial acumen. However, it can be an exciting and potentially lucrative investment strategy for those with the right expertise and risk tolerance.
Dual Key / Duplex Investments
“Dual key” or “duplex investments” refer to properties with two separate living spaces. While dual key properties have distinct spaces under one roof, duplexes are semi-detached houses that share a common wall.
Both types allow investors to rent out each space independently, potentially generating higher rental income than a single dwelling.
According to a study by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, dual-key properties and duplexes have become increasingly popular due to rising demand for affordable housing options and changing household structures.
Dual key and duplex investments can maximise rental income and diversify your portfolio. First, however, it’s crucial to research local zoning regulations and demand for such properties in your chosen area.
Understanding the unique nuances of both duplex and dual key investing can maximise your cash flow and long-term capital growth.
Subdivision
“Subdivision” is an investment strategy where a property owner divides a larger piece of land into smaller lots, which can be sold or developed individually.
This approach can create significant value by maximising the potential of underutilised land and catering to the growing demand for affordable housing options.
Subdivision can be a profitable venture, but you need to know the complexities involved, such as local planning regulations, development costs, and market demand.
Collaborating with industry professionals like surveyors, town planners, and real estate agents can help you navigate the process and ensure a successful outcome.
Key Takeaways
When choosing an investment strategy, consider your unique circumstances, and don’t be afraid to consult experts for guidance. If you follow these steps, you will be well on your way to building a successful property portfolio tailored to your own needs.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy; success lies in aligning your choices with your unique financial circumstances, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to our team of experienced mortgage brokers at The Mortgage Agency for personalised advice and support on the best investment loan.
