PROPERTY GUIDES
Understand it. Then put a number on it.
Practical answers for buying, financing and owning a property.
New to property investing?
Buying your first property?
Separate grants, duty relief and loan guarantees before planning your budget.
Start with the numbers
Gross vs net rental yield: what actually comes back to you
A property can advertise an attractive yield and still deliver a modest income. Here is where the difference goes.
Read guide ↗Cash flow · 4 minHow much does an investment property cost per week?
Calculate your weekly holding cost from collected rent, ownership bills and full loan repayments.
Read guide ↗Rental yield · 4 minWhat is a good rental yield in Australia?
A useful yield covers the costs and risks of the property you are buying. Start with net income, then check the loan.
Read guide ↗Plan the purchase
Investment property due diligence: check the expensive assumptions
A useful property file contains evidence for the rent, the bills and the building condition. Start with the figures that could change your decision.
Read guide ↗Buying a property · 4 minHow much cash do you need to buy an investment property?
Add the deposit, purchase costs and a cash buffer. Then check when each amount has to be available.
Read guide ↗First property · 4 minCan you use first-home benefits for an investment property?
Buying your first property is not the same as buying a home to live in. Check each scheme against your plans.
Read guide ↗First property · 3 minRenting out your first home after receiving assistance
Check the obligations for every benefit before changing how you use the property. There is no single waiting period for all schemes.
Read guide ↗Tax & expenses
Rental property tax deductions: what can you claim?
Keep a record of every cost, then separate rental deductions from capital costs and private spending.
Read guide ↗Tax & expenses · 4 minNegative gearing explained: tax effects and holding costs
A rental loss and a cash shortfall are different numbers. See how a possible tax benefit affects the amount you still need to fund.
Read guide ↗Loans, risk & returns
Property vs shares vs savings: compare the same money
A property’s price is not the amount of cash you invest. Start with equal cash budgets, then compare the outcome and the risks.
Read guide ↗Property loans · 4 minInterest only vs principal and interest: the repayment trade-off
Interest-only repayments can ease the holding cost now. The debt remains, and the repayment after the interest-only period can be much higher.
Read guide ↗Cash buffers · 3 minStress-test a rental property before a difficult year arrives
A higher rate, a vacant property and a repair bill can arrive together. Test the combined cash requirement, not just one change at a time.
Read guide ↗Refinancing · 6 minRefinancing an investment property: costs and break-even
A lower repayment can mean a cheaper loan or simply more years in debt. Compare the rate, fees, switching costs and remaining balance together.
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