Is property investment for me?

Is property investment for me?

Aug 05

While it is true that the act of managing a property investment in Australia can be great, it can be a challenge to get into. You can use your home to invest today but you have to be aware of what you’re getting into before doing so. The last thing you should deal with is getting into the field without knowing what you should be doing.

The fact is that many people are using some values in their homes to buy investment properties. Buying such a property may help you out when paying a home loan. In fact, you can get a tax deduction off of the interest that you are paying on the loan among other things that you might have to pay for.

Why Buy a Property?

There are many reasons why so many people engage in property investments in Australia:

  • The properties they invest in can grow in value. This results in capital growth as a whole and could be worth thousands of dollars to you.
  • You can get more income by renting it out to people who might come into an area.
  • It helps you out by keeping your existing debts in check as you will release some of the value of your home to go after the new property.

When Should You Invest?

Considering how many properties will increase in value over time, getting into the field soon may work if the properties in your market are growing in value. If they are steady or declining then you might want to wait a while.

Then again, it might help to invest now if you are struggling to get your home loan managed as it is. An investment may help you to take care of your debt as it is.

What Equity Can You Release?

The value in your home that you can release is referred to as your equity. It can vary based on your property’s value and what you owe on it.

If your property is worth $350,000 and you owe $100,000 then you will have $250,000 in equity. You can borrow a part of that $250,000 and use that to invest in a new property. The key is that the equity covers what you’ve paid already. If you already have more equity as it is then you should really have a huge advantage with regards to making it all work.

What About Risks?

Like with any other investment option, there are a few risks that you have to be aware of before you can choose to stick with it. For instance:

  • The value of your investment property may decline and you could go underwater.
  • Rates in your loan could increase quickly, thus causing you to pay more than what you can afford at a given time.
  • The demand for a property may not be as strong as you might think it could be.

Costs Are Important

The cost to get into this investment option will vary based on where you go. Here are a few of the key costs that you have to watch for:

  • The purchase price for the property you want to get into can vary.
  • The stamp duty will vary based on the state that you live in.
  • All legal fees can vary based on where you go when acquiring such a property. A solicitor may charge you from $500 to $2,500 depending on who you contact for help.
  • The fees for applying for a loan can also add up. Each lender has its own schedule for such fees.
  • Your lender may charge some fees to cover the cost of taking our lender’s mortgage insurance. Some lenders may not charge this but you should be prepared just in case.
  • Inspection fees have to be added.
  • Pest control charges have to be used due to the need to prepare the home for future use.
  • Some upfront costs may be required for renovating different rooms.
  • All utility fees, council charges, interest rates and other charges can add up throughout the life of the investment.

Be sure to think about the benefits, risks and costs that come with investing in properties in Australia. While this can really help you to get more money and can assist you in taking care of any loan issues you’ve got, you have to be certain that you are aware of whatever it is you are getting into before you can start investing for any purpose in any kind of property that you want to get into.

Speak with your financial planner before deciding whether or not to consider unlocking the value in your home.

This document contains general advice only. You need to consider your financial situation and your particular needs prior to making any strategy or products decision.

We Are Here To Help ..

You’re Working Hard, But Is Your Money?

Act Now! Reserve your Complimentary “Strategy” Session

Download PDF