- Do your homework – You are not buying from the heart, but from the head, so it is important to assess your current financial position. What are your cash reserves and what equity do you have in your present home? Look at your long term objectives and factor in potential changes to your current situation (e.g. the birth of a child or the loss of one income).
- Understand negative vs positive gearing – Positively geared properties – rental income is higher than your loan repayments and outgoings. Tax is likely to be payable on the net income. Negatively geared properties – rental income is less than your loan repayments and outgoings. The loss can be offset against other income earned, reducing your assessable income and therefore your tax payable.
- Decide how to fund it – You’ll probably need a property investment loan. The deposit can come from your savings or alternatively from equity in the home you live in. It can also be possible to invest in property via a self managed superannuation fund.
- Choose the right loan – There are generally two types of loans being ‘principal and interest’ and ‘interest only’. Interest only loans defer the obligation to repay the principal. The best loan type will be dependent upon your individual circumstances so it is best to talk to us.
- Find out how much you can borrow – This is an essential step to be realistic in your expectations and focus your property hunting time on properties you can afford.
- Calculate your up-front costs – Remember to factor in stamp duty, loan application fees and legal costs into your plans. A building and pest inspection are also a must to avoid expensive headaches down the track.
- Estimate ongoing costs – All properties incur ongoing expenses (e.g rates, insurance etc). You’ll use your rental income to cover most or all of these but you might need to have some spare cash set aside until you start receiving rent (most agents pay the owner at the end of each month so you wont receive rental income straight away).
- Finding the right property – This is obviously the area in which you will spend the most time. It doesn’t have to be a home you would live in. Think about which features are universally appealing and of course remember the old adage – location, location, location!
- Find a good property manager – It could be a good idea to look for personal recommendations from tenants and landlords you may know.
- Cover yourself with suitable insurance – Some insurance companies now combine building cover with specialist landlord insurance. You should also consider life and income protection insurance to ensure your family doesnt suffer financial hardship repaying loans if the main income earner is unable to work.
