Top reasons to invest in property

While the face of property is always changing, it’s popularity as an investment has stayed the same – and for good reason. There are so many great incentives to put your money into Australian real estate. Owning a rental can be a great way to build up your wealth for the future. Not only that, but it can give you a nice bit of cash to tuck away for a rainy day.

With this in mind it’s not surprising that more and more people have been taking out property investment loans – in fact, a Roy Morgan Survey shows that the number has grown 37 per cent in the four years to 2014. If you’re still making up your mind about property investment loans, here are some points that might convince you to take the plunge.

Anyone can do it

It’s not just the entrepreneurs who are making a name for themselves in the residential market. Everyday Australians can try their hand at the investment game. The same Roy Morgan Survey showed that investment loans are being given out to a wide range of age groups – 78 per cent of the growth in investment loans was in the 35 to 64 bracket.

While it might not seem like it sometimes, lenders are actually a lot more willing to hand over the money for a slice of real estate than other investments. While shares and stocks can go up and down, a rental will continue to grow in value. This makes it a less risky option and often means you can borrow reasonably simply, given your finances are in the right place.

You can make decisions

Property investment gives you the freedom to add value through improvements – or you can even take a hands-off approach and let a property manager do the hard work for you. Australia is a nation of home renovators. In fact, the Housing Industry Association expects the renovations market to expand to $31.25 billion by 2018. Whether you are making big structural changes or simple cosmetic updates, you have say over how well your investment performs.

There are long-term benefits

It’s no secret that property prices are rising. Over the year to March 2015, values across the capital have grown 7.4 per cent according to CoreLogic RP Data – and they are expected to keep climbing. Even if you’re buying outside of the central hotspots of Sydney and Melbourne, by picking a suitable property in the right area, you can get potentially great long-term returns on your investment. Tax deductions, capital growth or rental income – or even a combination of all three – can be great incentives to take out an investment home loan.

In any case, property investment doesn’t need to be expensive. With a sensible attitude, a clear set of goals and some help from a Mortgage Adviser, you can make an investment home work for you without breaking the bank.