Investing in property has long been regarded as a lucrative venture, offering potential rewards that span from rental income to capital growth. While it’s often considered to be a more stable option compared to the volatility of stock markets, there are crucial aspects to be mindful of. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of investing in property, helping you make informed decisions on your investment journey.
Pros of Property Investment
1. Less Volatility
Property investment stands out for its relative stability in comparison to other investment avenues like stocks. While market fluctuations can send stock prices on a rollercoaster ride, property values tend to experience fewer abrupt changes, providing investors with a sense of security.
2. Income Generation
One of the primary benefits of property investment is the potential for a steady stream of rental income. If your property is tenanted, you’ll enjoy regular payments that can not only cover mortgage payments but also contribute to your overall financial wellbeing.
3. Capital Growth
Property values have a historical tendency to appreciate over time, offering the prospect of capital growth. When you decide to sell your property, any increase in its value since your purchase translates into a capital gain, boosting your return on investment.
4. Tax Deductions
Property investment comes with significant tax advantages. Many of the expenses associated with property ownership, such as interest on loans used for property acquisition and especially depreciation can be offset against your rental income. This can lead to substantial savings come tax season.
5. Tangible Asset
Unlike investments that exist purely in digital or abstract forms, property is a tangible asset. You can physically see, touch, and even improve it. This aspect of property investment appeals to those who prefer to have a direct connection to their investments.
6. Leverage
Property is considered to be a stable asset class, hence leverage due to lending against real property can be at considerably high ratios. Depending on the ownership and use, residential property can generally achieve a lend to value ratio of up to 95% for owner occupied dwellings.
7. Accessibility
Investing in property doesn’t require a lot of specialized knowledge or expertise to start . While it’s always helpful to have a basic understanding of real estate trends and market conditions, you don’t need to be an expert to start building a property portfolio. However, surrounding yourself with experts in property investment can not only provide invaluable insights and guidance, but also improve the outcome. It pays to have experts in your team advising you.
Cons of Property Investment
1. Financial Costs
One significant drawback of property investment can be the financial burden it can impose. There’s a possibility that the rental income might not be sufficient to cover your mortgage payments and other ongoing expenses. This may create a strain on your finances, especially if you haven’t planned for such scenarios. Ensure to purchase in areas with sufficient rental return.
2. Interest Rate Sensitivity
The interest rates on your mortgage can greatly impact your investment’s profitability. A rise in interest rates translates to higher monthly repayments, reducing your disposable income and potentially affecting your investment’s viability. This is especially the case when the property was negatively geared to start off with.
3. Vacancy Risks
Property investment success heavily relies on occupancy. There may be periods when your property remains vacant between tenants, during which you’ll need to cover all costs out of your pocket. This can strain your finances and disrupt your investment plans. Hence we recommend to maintain a financial security buffer with your investment
4. Lack of Flexibility
Unlike other forms of investment, property is inherently inflexible. You can’t easily liquidate a portion of your property to access quick cash. If you need funds urgently, selling property might not be the most efficient solution.
5. Depreciation in Value
Property values can go down, especially if one buys at the height of the property cycle and if the market takes a downturn, you might find yourself in a situation where your property is worth less than what you paid for it. This potential loss of value could impact your financial standing. It is hence very important to be in the know, or have people in the know, about market pricing and cycle.
6. High Entry and Exit Costs
Property investment involves significant upfront costs, including stamp duty, legal fees, and real estate agents fees. Additionally, selling a property comes with its own set of expenses. These costs can eat into your returns and should be carefully considered.
As you navigate the exciting world of property investment and weigh the pros and cons, remember that having the right guidance can make all the difference. While property investment offers promising opportunities, it’s essential to make informed decisions to reap the rewards.
At Property Friends, we specialize in providing expert advice and support in the field of property investing. With our extensive experience and knowledge, we can offer you valuable insights, help you avoid common pitfalls, and guide you towards making sound investment choices and even provide investment property especially aligned with your desired outcomes, ready-made for you.
Your property investment journey doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. We, at Property Friends, are here to offer the expertise you need to thrive in the world of property investment. Contact us today to take the first step towards building a successful and rewarding property portfolio.
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Property Friends is a specialist Property Investment Strategist that provides solutions for people aspiring to financial independence, choices in retirement, or leaving a legacy. www.propertyfriends.com.au (03) 9758 5331
