You may be considering investing in property as a way to grow your wealth – or boost the balance of your self managed super fund. Here are 6 things to consider before you commit to purchasing a property as an investment:
Check your risk profile. Ask yourself if you’re comfortable carrying debt and making additional investments.
Ensure your income is stable and adequate to support the debt if a tenant moves out or unexpected costs come up.
Develop a life plan that considers events that may arise, such as having children, travelling, studying or changing jobs. You can accommodate these events if you have a clear, documented plan.
Assess each investment on its own merits and risks. Expected returns – income plus capital gain – must exceed the borrowing costs over the long term.
Invest in what you know. At least to start, stick to one suburb or city and know the market well, including the public transport on offer.
Plan to lift the rent. Most properties are sold on a multiple of the yield they produce. Increasing the rent is a starting point to lifting the property’s value.