Buying an investment property is among the most favourite ways of investing. An investment property is supposed to help you increase your wealth or secure your financial future. However, there is a general misconception that property investment delivers positive returns at all times. This is definitely not the case.
You have to keep in mind that the effectiveness in which you manage your investment determines whether or not it helps you attain your financial goals. Here are tips on how to make the most from your investment property.
1. Pick the Right Property
You should choose a property that is most likely to increase its value because investing in real estate is normally all about capital growth. It is also vital to ensure that you have a stable rental income stream since this cash flow will provide income and make the holding of this asset more affordable.
Different categories of residential property, land, home units and houses can outperform each other with time. For example, unoccupied land does not bring any rental income but might appreciate faster if bought in an area that has limited supply. It is also essential that your property matches the demographics of renters within the area.
2. Do Your Sums
While investing in property has been proven path to lasting wealth, you require holding the asset long-term to benefit. Be aware of all taxes involved in the investment and sum up these into your calculations. Seek advice from your accountant about these could change with time. Land Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty, all should be taken into account.
3. Get a Reliable Property Manager and Let Them Do Their Job
These are experts in the field and should help you get the finest possible value for your assets. The property manager should be able to advice you on property law, your responsibilities and rights as a landlord, and those of the tenants as well. The manager should also cater for any maintenance issues, though you should consent all incurred costs in advance. This manager also helps you get a good tenant and ensures they pay their rent in a timely manner. It is vital that you do not interfere with any issues affecting tenants.
4. Understand the Market from Which You Are Buying
Have in mind what other assets are obtainable in the area. Ensure that you do your homework well and talk to professionals you can trust to get the best house and land packages. You should also find out what changes might be happening in the region. For instance, a main construction next to your asset might make it more difficult to rent out. A planned by-pass might mean less traffic and might increase your property’s value over time.
5. Choose the Right Kind of Mortgage to Suit You
Since there are many alternatives as long as financing your investment property is concerned, you should get sound advice on this as it can make a big, lasting difference to your financial security. Do not mix up your home loan with your investment property loan. They need to be separate for you to reduce your accounting costs and maximize your taxation benefits.
You can choose a variable rate loan or a fixed rate loan, depending on your circumstances, but the two options should be considered careful before you decide. Most investment loans are set up as interest only as this raises the tax efficiency of your investment, specifically if you already have a home loan.
6. Check Condition and Age of the Facilities and Property
Engage an expert building inspector to assess the property before you purchase. This helps you to find out if there are any potential problems. You should also make the property striking to renters. While making some replacements and repairs on the property could be expensive, it could make an essential difference to your profits. How well the asset is presented will have an effect on the quality of the tenant.
7. Use Equity from Another Asset
Leveraging equity in your house or from another property investment could be an effectual way to purchase an investment property. Equity refers to the sum of money in your residence that you actually own. This can be estimated by working out the variation between the total value of your property and the amount of money you owe on mortgage. Using the equity on your current home can permit you to borrow more cash against your investment property and this will raise your tax deductions.
John has a keen interest in all things related to investment properties. Working at Affordable Living Homes in Perth, Western Australia, he has developed both knowledge and skills in market forcasts.