What to Consider when Buying a Second Property
Whether you are building your property investment portfolio, buying a holiday house or supporting a family member, there is always a lot to consider before you take that next step.
Cashflow Property tends to be a long-term investment, so do your sums to make sure you can afford the ongoing repayments on two mortgages. Think about any major life changes, such as planning to expand your family, or you might need to support a parent in the coming years.
Get to know the market and location Research what is happening in the current market and whether it’s the right time for you to buy. Get to know the area you are considering by speaking to residents and real estate agents. It’s also wise to investigate the short and long-term planning for the area. For example, nearby construction may affect your ability to find a tenant.
Investigate before you invest If you’re buying a property as an investment, carefully consider its location. Buying in a high-demand area is likely to see you enjoy a constant flow of income from the rent. You will need to provide your lender with a rental appraisal estimate letter and keep in mind that lenders generally only take 50–80% of the rental income into account when calculating whether you can afford the loan.
Choose the right mortgage The amount you can borrow and the type of loan you choose will depend on various factors, including the equity in your current home, your income and expenses, and your property valuation. It helps to get quality advice on the right mortgage for you, along with other considerations, such as negative gearing, and how to structure your loan to maximise tax effectiveness.
TOP TEN REASONS WHY A TENANT MOVES OUT…
Tenants move out for a variety of reasons. As a property investor/landlord, you can control some of the reasons while others are just a matter of preference.
- Cannot afford the rent
- Property is too small for their needs
- Property is too large for their needs
- Job change/relocation
- Maintenance issues not being attended to
- Problems with neighbours
- Wanting to change location/neighbourhood
- Separation/divorce/marriage
- Renter’s market – more affordable properties available
- Purchase their own property
