5 Reasons why you should invest in property in 2024

The Australian property market has been around for a while and has seen its ups and downs, but overall, it’s known for growing steadily. Even with recent bumps in the road, property values generally trend upwards thanks to Australia’s strong economy. This trend is especially true in big cities and areas with lots of jobs, attracting both Aussies and investors from overseas.

So, how does real estate stack up against other investments? Well, Australian homes have consistently beaten out things like stocks over the past two decades. Why?

Overview of the australian real estate market

Australians tend to like owning their own place over riskier options. Plus, a big chunk of Australians choose to live in the homes they buy, creating a stable foundation for the market. This reduces the risk you see with speculative investing, where people buy and sell properties quickly to make a profit.

The size of the Australian market is another reason to take notice – it’s worth a whopping $9.5 trillion! Even better, Australians don’t carry a ton of debt when it comes to property ownership, which shows a healthy and secure market. This security is bolstered by the fact that around 70% of Australian properties are owner-occupied. This high rate creates a consistent demand for homes, making the market less likely to experience sudden swings.

The rental market is another bright spot. Rents are steadily on the rise, outpacing inflation. This growth is fueled by Australia’s growing population, with more and more people moving to cities.

So how will you benefit from investing in real estate?

Benefits of investing in Australian real estate in 2024

Stability you can count on

Compared to investments like stocks that can jump around a lot, Australian real estate are less volatile. This is thanks in part to Australia’s strong legal system and property rights, which give you peace of mind knowing your investment is secure. Even during global economic wobbles, the Australian property market has a history of bouncing back because there’s always a strong demand for housing. Plus, government regulations help keep things fair and stable.

Building wealth over time

Numbers don’t lie! Over the past 45 years, homes in major Australian cities have roughly doubled in value every ten years on average. This growth is fueled by two main things: limited availability of houses in cities, especially with more and more people moving there, and Australia’s growing population in general. Basically, there’s a high demand for a limited supply, making real estate a great option for building long-term wealth.

Rental income to boost your bottom line

Australian real estate can also be a great way to bring in some extra cash flow, especially in good cities. With more and more people flocking to major centers, the rental market is booming. Investors often enjoy healthy rental yields, which is the amount of rent you get compared to the property price. This is further boosted by a shortage of rental properties and rising rents, a trend that’s likely to continue as cities keep growing.

Tax perks to make it even more appealing

There are some tax benefits to be had with Australian property investment. One is called negative gearing. This lets you deduct the costs of owning a rental property, like mortgage interest, from your taxable income, potentially lowering your tax bill. You can also claim depreciation on the property itself and its fixtures, giving you additional tax relief and making the investment even more attractive.

Leverage

One of the biggest advantages of real estate investing is something called leverage. In Australia, banks often lend up to 80% of a property’s value, sometimes even more. This means you can buy a more expensive property with a smaller down payment. This leverage can significantly boost your potential return on investment because you’re making gains on the entire property value, not just the amount you put down initially.

So, Australian real estate sounds pretty good, right? Well, like any investment, it’s not without its challenges.

Risks and challenges in property investment

Coming up with the cash

Real estate can be a pricey game to get into. It’s not just the down payment you need to worry about, but also closing costs like stamp duty, legal fees, and maybe even an agent’s fee. This big chunk of money upfront can be a hurdle for some folks, making it tough to get your foot in the door.

The market can shift

Even though Australian real estate has a reputation for being steady, it’s not immune to ups and downs. Economic slumps, interest rate changes, and even just people’s preferences changing can all affect property values. This unpredictability can make it tricky to know exactly when to buy or sell, potentially impacting your returns.

Not exactly instant cash

Unlike stocks you can trade in a flash, real estate isn’t exactly known for its lightning-fast turnaround. Selling a property can take time and involve a lot of steps. This lack of liquidity, or easy access to your cash, might not be ideal if you need money in a pinch or want to invest elsewhere quickly.

Being a landlord can be a job

Managing a rental property can be time-consuming and cost some money too. You’ll need to find tenants, screen them carefully, deal with lease agreements, keep the place in good shape, and follow all the rules and regulations. These management headaches can eat into your profits, especially if you don’t have a system in place or try to do it all yourself.

Remember, these are all important factors to consider when weighing the risks and rewards of property investment. So getting the right approach is very important.

Strategic considerations for property investors

There are some strategies to consider that can help you make the most of your investment.

Location analysis

This old adage holds true in real estate. Picking the right spot is crucial because it affects both how much rent you can charge and how much the property value might grow over time. Think about things like schools, parks, public transport, and shopping centers. The closer you are to these amenities, the more attractive your property will be to tenants and future buyers. On top of that, researching the area’s demographics, economic stability, and future development plans can give you valuable insights into how much the area is expected to grow and if it’s a sustainable investment.

Choosing your property wisely

The type of property you choose should align with your goals. If steady rental income is what you’re after, residential properties might be the way to go, considering the constant demand for housing. Commercial properties, on the other hand, can potentially bring in higher returns, but they also come with the added risk of whether the businesses renting them will succeed. New builds can be tempting with their modern features and potentially lower maintenance costs, but they often come with a higher price tag and less room for negotiation. Established homes, while potentially needing some work upfront, might offer more wiggle room on price.

Thinking long term

Real estate is a marathon, not a sprint. The market has its ups and downs, and property values might fluctuate in the short term. But history shows that over a longer period, they generally go up. To maximize your returns, you should be prepared to hold onto your investment for at least ten years. This long-term view allows you to weather any market dips and ride the waves of growth, leading to a more stable return on your investment.

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With $85,000 in savings or equity, you can begin or grow your investment portfolio with high-growth
properties in Australia's strongest property markets.

Do you have $85,000 saved in cash or equity? Start your investment journey with us

With $85,000 in savings or equity, you can begin or grow your investment portfolio with high-growth properties in Australia's strongest property markets.

Trends in Australian real estate market

A few key things are shaping the market right now. First, there are interest rates. Historically low rates have made borrowing money cheaper, which makes buying a property more attractive. Another factor is population growth, especially in big cities. More people means more demand for places to live, which typically drives prices up. However, it’s not just a free-for-all. The government also plays a role with policies like grants for first-time buyers or rules on foreign investment. These policies aim to keep things stable and avoid a situation where prices get out of control, particularly in hot city markets.

One thing that’s likely to stick around is strong demand in major cities. Australia’s big cities offer a stable economy and a great quality of life, which continues to be a magnet for people moving from both within Australia and overseas.

Another interesting trend is the potential shift towards suburban and regional living. The rise of remote work, thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, might lead people to move out of city centers. This could mean more demand for houses in suburbs and regional areas, potentially pushing prices up in those locations.

Finally, technology is becoming increasingly important in real estate. Virtual tours, online transactions, and even real estate-focused financial technology (fintech) are all becoming more common. So, get ready for a more tech-driven experience when it comes to buying and selling property.

The real estate landscape can change quickly, so it’s always a good idea to do your own research and stay informed before making any big decisions.

Conclusion

This is a big decision, so make sure you’re in it for the long haul and understand that markets have ups and downs. By being realistic and having a solid plan, you’ll be in a better position to weather any storms and hopefully enjoy the rewards that Australian real estate can offer.

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5 Reasons why you should invest in property in 2024