When it comes to the ideal location for an investment property, you’d be forgiven for running with the assumption that the closer to the city, the better.
Close proximity to the CBD does, of course, provide a range of well-known benefits and potential benefits. Among some of them are luxury city views, convenience in multiple forms and vibrancy.
But as technology and the public transport infrastructure of our cities progresses, the advantages of city living depreciate. Technological interconnectivity means that working from home has become not only possible, but common. And as things progress even further, the everyday limitations that make city living desirable will be solved (or at least mitigated) by other means.
Here are some of the things you might want to think about when deciding whether or not, to invest in an outer-suburbs property.
Safety and insurance
The first thing to consider is the safety of the property (and the appropriate insurance implications). Properties in rural areas are more vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods and fires, which can mean higher insurance costs.
Consider the surrounding landscape of your property and be sure to factor the insurance into your calculations.
Demand
If you’re going to invest in a property, you want to make sure that you keep the property occupied with happy tenants. In order for that to happen, there needs to be a decent level of demand for properties of that particular kind.
As of right now, nearly a third of Australians live outside of major cities. People seeking a better work / life balance, a slower pace and some clean air have plenty of reasons to seek country accommodation.
Before investing in a property, garner a clear understanding of the area’s rental yields, population growth rate and median income. Figures like this will help determine whether or not the property is lucrative.
Profitability
Closely related to demand (and probably the most important consideration for an investment property), profitability can be determined by a number of factors. Median property price, for example, is a strong place to start.
The median property price in Sydney recently reached $1,000,000 for the first time in history. That’s quite a large number for first-time home buyers to afford and as property prices climb higher and higher, it becomes even harder for new blood to enter the market.
As an investor, it might pay more to target said new blood. If that’s the case, maybe a country home selling for $400,000 or less is exactly what you need!
Mortgage House
At Mortgage House, we’re no strangers to the homeowner’s journey. It’s a long (but rewarding) one.
But don’t worry, we can help with that.
If you’re thinking of buying a home, you can contact us for advice about the best options for you when it comes to your mortgage. The cost of your mortgage can drastically affect your financial planning, so it pays to speak to the experts about it.
