News, Promotions and Events to keep you, the Defence Force Property Investor, ahead of the Property Market

NEGATIVE GEARING IS CHANGING AGAIN: WHAT PROPERTY INVESTORS CAN LEARN FROM 1985 Negative gearing is changing from 1 July 2027. But history suggests the biggest lesson for property investors isn’t simply about tax – it’s about how markets adapt. Negative Gearing Is Changing – But Don’t Make a Property Decision Based on the Headline Negative […]

As a member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) there are some great entitlements to help you along the way to buy property for investment.

Why Australian Defence Force Members Have a Unique Property Investment Advantage If you’ve served in the Australian Defence Force, you may be standing on one of Australia’s greatest property investment opportunities—and not even realise it. Many ADF members assume property investing is something they’ll think about later in life. After promotion. After posting. After deployment. […]

How do you build wealth? Here is the secret to building wealth in less than 5 minutes read time.

Where do you start in choosing the right property investment?

Why working with Capital Properties is your wisest investment move

8 property selection criteria to drive switched-on investment decisions

WHAT HAPPENS TO COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES? How do you invest when the headlines are full of uncertainty? Why uncertainty creates opportunity for strategic investors Global instability is dominating the narrative again. Rising interest rates, geopolitical tension, and economic uncertainty are shaping investor sentiment across all asset classes — including commercial and […]

Should you invest right now — or wait? Why uncertainty hits Defence investors differently Global instability is dominating the headlines again. Interest rates, geopolitical tension, and economic uncertainty are creating hesitation across all markets. For many investors, the instinct is to hold off. That instinct is understandable. But it’s also where most people fall behind. […]

GUIDE TO PROPERTY INVESTMENT FOR ADF MEMBERS Ready to take control of your financial future? Why ADF members are in a powerful position to invest If you’re serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), you’re already ahead of most Australians when it comes to property investment. You might not realise it yet — but you […]

Turn your ADF income into your dream future Why now’s a great time to invest in property If you’re in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), you already know how important it is to have a solid plan. For operations, training, or career development. And the same applies to your financial future. Without a plan you’ll […]

OUR TOP TIPS FOR ADF PROPERTY INVESTORS Could this be a year full of opportunities – are you ready? See where property investment can take you in 2025, is it time to expand your vision? “We are boxed in by the boundary conditions of out thinking” – Albert Einstein  The last few years have seen a […]

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BUYING AN OFF-THE-PLAN PROPERTY? Helping ADF members invest in off-the-plan properties with confidence Setting goals for successful property investment “In July 2024, realestate.com.au reported that nearly one in three buyers were choosing to build or buy off-the-plan. They suggested this was due to lifestyle changes, financial incentives and a desire […]

HEARD ABOUT THE CO-LIVING INVESTMENT PROPERTY? Co-Living Investments: Cash Flow Opportunities and Challenges for Property Investors The real estate landscape is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging to meet changing demographics and lifestyle preferences. One of the most talked-about investment opportunities in recent years is co-living properties. As housing affordability declines and urban areas become more […]

WHAT IS BETTER? A BANK VALUATION OR SALES APPRAISAL? How much is your property worth? Why a bank valuation is more reliable than a sales appraisal We’re often asked, “what’s the best way to determine the value of a property”? There are two common approaches that come to mind: a bank valuation and a sales […]

Economy – Future Prospects Navigating economic trends for ADF property investors Understanding the economic outlook For Australian Defence Force (ADF) property investors, understanding the economic outlook is essential to making smart investment decisions. As we write at the end of 2024, the Australian economy is at a crossroads. With a steady inflation – now under […]

Matthew’s journey from property investment client to consultant At Capital Properties, we pride ourselves on not only helping Australian Defence Force (ADF) members achieve their property investment goals but also on nurturing and supporting our clients beyond their service years. Matthew Bondarczuk’ s journey is a testament to this commitment. Starting out as a client […]

Industrial Warehouse Office Conversion: Capital Properties HQ on the Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast HQ enhances work and lifestyle From warehouse to workplace – the commercial conversion that feels like home At Capital Properties, we’re all about creating spaces that support our goals, both in life and in business. Our recent(ish) move to a converted industrial […]

In this article, we look at the ins and outs of industrial property investment, to help determine if it’s a good choice for you. We’ll explain how industrial property investment can provide a positive cash flow and has the potential for impressive long-term returns. However, as with all investments, it’s important to do your homework […]

Hot spot suburbs and a FREE RPdata Report Offer Informed property investment for Australian Defence Force members Why you should you invest in hot spot suburbs With the demanding nature of military life, Australian Defence Force (ADF) members often find it challenging to plan for long-term financial success by leveraging opportunities in the property market. […]

ADFA – Yes, it’s time to start building your property portfolio If your in ADFA don’t wait to build your property portfolio! ADFA – Start your property portfolio now for future financial success As Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) members you’re already committed to defining yourself as leaders of the Navy, Army and Air Force. […]

Interest rates – will they drop or keep increasing? Or stay where they are? What’s happening with interest rates? Inflation and interest rates, and why it matters for property investors In the Statement on Monetary Policy, released by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in August 2024, the consensus was that “Inflation is still too […]

Who and what is DHA? (I’D BE ASSUMING YOU’D HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING! BUT JUST IN CASE)  Defence Housing Australia (DHA) was established in 1988 to provide housing and related services to Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families. This includes all members of the Defence Force, Officers and employees of the Department of […]

The Worlds Best Strategic Goal Setting Hack – The Well-Formed Outcome  Achieve absolute clarity, create a sense of purpose & fine hone a vision by defining your goals Mastering goal setting – the first step for success Proverb – “Where there is no vision, the people perish”  Setting goals is a fundamental step in achieving […]

Federal and state entitlements for Defence Force property buyer Do you know your ADF entitlements? Maximising ADF defence, federal and state entitlements It’s not going to come as a surprise to anyone reading this that there are unique opportunities and entitlements available for members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). But it’s easy to feel […]

Capital Properties – property investment case studies Guiding Australian Defence Force members through strategic property Investments How Capital Properties helps ADF members secure financial independence  At Capital Properties, it’s our mission to help Australian Defence Force (ADF) members utilise their disposable income to invest in property and achieve long-term financial independence. Over the years, we’ve […]

Different types of Property Investor & Owner Occupied home loans Choosing the right home loan for you Everything you need to know about different types of home loans If you’re looking to purchase a home, either for investment or to live in, it’s important to understand the different types of home loans available. In this […]

What you need to qualify for an investment property home loan in Australia Do you know if you are ready to apply for that mortgage? Its ok if you don’t – We’ll provide everything you need to know about qualifying for a home loan! Ready to buy your own home or investment property? It pays […]

When we first meet many of our Clients, they tell us that the idea of financial freedom feels elusive. With the cost of living as high as it’s been for decades, many people struggle to look at the bigger picture and understand how to make their hard-earned money work well for them. At Capital Properties, […]

What’s happening in the Australian property market? If you’re considering investing in the Australian property market, then it’s important that you’re aware of current housing trends. From the ongoing effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing interest rates and the housing crisis, navigating the evolving landscape of real estate in 2024 is best done with the […]

How to help you choose the right Property Manager Find yourself a Property Manager who’ll save you time, money and your sanity! Why you need a good Property Manager We know this isn’t the first time you’ve heard us recommend the services of a Property Manager. In fact, we always recommend you get a Property […]

Make the most out of the silly season and book your end/start-of-year review with the Capital Properties team ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to celebrate than by taking a moment to reflect on your property investment strategy with Capital Properties? As the year draws to an end and a new […]

Are you ready to take your property investment journey to the next level? At Capital Properties, we understand that achieving success in property investment requires a strategic approach. That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to the Capital Properties Property Investment Planner. This 4-in-1 planner is designed to help you reach your goals of successful […]

About this project I’d been keeping an eye on these Industrial Warehouses for a while as we’d often drive past on the way to school drop off. My idea was to do an office conversion! Below are the stages of the build, if you have any questions about this project email info@capitalproperties.com.au We are super […]

Renovating your home or investment property for maximum return Renovating your home or investment property before putting it on the market is a savvy strategy to maximise the return on your investment. A pre-sale renovation can significantly increase the property’s sale value, attract a wider range of buyers, leave less room for buyer negotiations, and […]

Everything you need to know about property investment in a nutshell It’s been proven time and time again that property investment is a sure-fire method of making the most of your Australian Defence Force (ADF) wages for future financial success. With informed decision-making, a solid understanding of the basics, and a proven investment strategy, property […]

New livable house rules and new design codes   Are you on top of the new livable house guidelines?  Livable house guidelines Have you heard that the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and National Construction Code (NCC) have recently updated the Livable Housing Guidelines, called ‘NCC 2022’? In fact, the NCC 2022 includes some of the […]

Like attracts like. Success attracts success.  How to attract success  At Capital Properties we work with Clients every day who thank us for helping them advance their chances at financial success. Many have come to us with little clue of where to start in property investment. Some people have never had the opportunity to ask […]

Are you keeping up with NSW stamp duty changes? In January 2023, 2 months prior to the NSW elections, both major parties agreed that housing affordability, stamp duty, and tax reform were significant voter issues. So, it’s no surprise that the NSW Premier at the time, Dominic Perrotett (Liberal/National Coalition) announced a key reform ahead […]

Interest rates vs Australian property market It’s not much of a stretch to conclude that if you’re reading this post, you’re a switched-on property investor, or on the way to becoming one. And you’ll no doubt be aware that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has just delivered its 12th rate hike since May last […]

Take advantage of the Capital Properties Pinnacle Support Program Are you On Track or off track to meet your goals? So much has changed in the world of finance and property investment in the last couple of years. If you haven’t been keeping up with these changes, you might be missing out on some serious […]

What is gearing? In property investment, the term ‘gearing’ describes borrowing money to buy a property. In other words, if you take out a loan to buy a rental property, your investment is geared. Most investors use some gearing – aka, a loan or mortgage, to fund their rental property. Gearing also determines the cashflow of […]

Loan coming off a fixed rate this year? How to prepare How to prepare for coming off a fixed rate mortgage As an Australian Defence Force (ADF) member, you should already be clued-up about the importance of having a solid financial plan. Whether you’re new to saving/investing or already have a great Post Defence Force […]

Investing this year / Understanding the trends Understanding property market trends Thinking of investing this year? Understanding the trends in the property market will help you decide if property investment is a viable wealth building strategy for you right now. In this blog post, the Capital Properties experts will examine current market trends that have […]

Has US inflation peaked? You may have heard talk last year about when and where US inflation would stabilise. Followed by headlines at the beginning of 2023 confirming that US inflation peaked in December 2022. Now, the question economists are trying to answer is how far, and how fast inflation will come down. In this […]

Are you confident you know how to buy well? Investing in property can be a great way to build wealth over time, but it’s important to make sure you’re buying well. Like any investment, the more you know, the better decisions you will make. With the right guidance, it is possible to make a smart […]

Invest to build wealth – a proven post Defence Force investment strategy The team at Capital Properties have seen what it’s like when people leave the Defence Force without a retirement strategy. Suddenly your ADF cover stops, along with the death and invalidity benefits – as it’s designed only for serving members of the ADF. […]

Securing your financial future Life in the Australian Defence Force can be full of challenges. And we know that it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday and forget about prioritising your long-term goals. But taking intentional action to secure your financial future as early as possible is a wise move. Being […]

In July 2022, the team at Capital Properties identified that lifestyle had become increasingly important to Aussie home buyers in our blog post: The big shift in Australian demographics.  In that post we predicted that this trend would continue to grow, along with a push for eco-friendly builds and green energy. Well, not quite a […]

In this blog post, we’ll examine some of the key factors that are likely to shape the housing market in 2023, and what they could mean for ADF members and their families. Let’s kick off by remembering that the Australian property market had been on a healthy upward trend for the past few years with […]

Have you been tracking the value of your property recently? You ought to have seen it increasing over the last 18 months. If you’re not sure what your property is currently valued at, then get in touch and we’ll provide you with a desktop valuation within a couple of minutes! We can also prepare the […]

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the nitty-gritty of buying a house in Australia while in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). We’ll include the information you need to take advantage of some loan subsidies and other incentives that are available to you as an ADF member. Want help choosing the right property? Book a discovery […]

It’s no secret that buying a property is one of the best investment decisions that you can make. Property investment is far more predictable than shares or crypto, for example, which can be massively volatile in unstable economic times. Investing in property allows you to benefit from tax advantages while gaining predictable cash flow and […]

In the 2022 federal budget, the federal government announced a new Regional Home Guarantee (RHG) scheme to boost construction and help homebuyers get onto the property ladder sooner in regional/rural areas.  Let’s take a closer look at the Regional Home Guarantee – 5% Deposit Scheme and see what it might mean for you. Need help […]

We’re all reeling at the price of lettuce and the extra expense at the petrol bowser these days. The news tells us it’s due to inflation. So, what exactly does that mean? What is inflation? What are inflationary pressures? Why is inflation so high right now? Do interest rates rise with inflation? Why does inflation […]

We’re sure you’ll already be aware that the 2022 Australian Federal election brought a change of government in Australia with the Liberal/National coalition ousted, and a majority Labor government sworn in for the first time since 2007.  This changing of the guard comes during an escalating war in Ukraine, China’s increasing presence in the South […]

In its first back-to-back hike in 12 years, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the cash rate by a total of 85 basis points. Its aim is to ease the country off the emergency borrowing settings that were required to maintain the economy through the Covid-19 pandemic.  Philip Lowe, RBA Governor said that […]

When you’re searching for property, finding the ideal house or block of land can feel all consuming. Many of our clients tell us that they spend an exorbitant amount of time on realestate.com.au without ever finding anything suitable. A lot of that time online is fruitless when you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for. […]

Victorian upper house passes the Windfall Gains Tax. What does this mean for land and property costs? The Windfall Gains Tax (WGT) was first announced by the Victorian government in May 2021. On 20th November the ‘Windfall Gains Tax and State Taxation and Other Acts Further Amendment Bill 2021’ was passed into Parliament. The WGT is […]

Have you heard about the most recent APRA lending changes?  On Wednesday 6th October 2021, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) sent a letter to all authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) – that includes banks, building societies and credit unions – to advise them of changes to mortgage serviceability buffers. This letter stated that the minimum interest […]

The National Disability Insurance Scheme or ‘NDIS’ is an Australian Government program that funds costs associated with disability. It was legislated in 2013 and went into full operation in 2020. You probably already know someone who’s benefiting from it, so what are your chances of making it work for you? Let’s start by saying it’s […]

What’s the Victorian Homebuyer Fund all about? On the back of a tough couple of years for Victoria, the Victorian Government has launched a new home-buyer fund called the Victorian Homebuyer Fund (VHF). This is essentially a shared equity scheme which allows successful applicants to purchase a property with a minimum deposit of 5%. The […]

Most ADF members are so busy working they don’t have time to focus on other aspects of their life, not to mention long-term planning. Sure, the idea is to work an eight-hour day and then make time for you, but with training, exercises and deployments it sometimes seems impossible get off base. We know, we’ve […]

How important is the finance component to the property buying process? Very. In fact, aside from choosing the right property, in the right location, finance is the most important component to property investment. So, it’s essential to get it right. But nobody’s born knowing this stuff. And many financial institutions seem to love making the […]

Question: What does a sea change, tree change and smashed avo have in common? Answer: A bloke by the name of Bernard Salt. Question: Is it important to understand and interpret demographic data when purchasing property? Answer: Yes. Question: Are the 2 questions above in any way related? Answer: Absolutely. And if you’re interested in […]

Have you heard that building costs are on the rise? And we’re not talking the usual inflation here, costs have significantly increased since this time last year. You may be wondering why? And if you’re an investor, you’re probably also considering what impact it’ll have on the property market. You certainly won’t be the only […]

One of the first things you’ll need to do when you’re buying a property, refinancing your home loan or trying to access the equity in your property, is to get a valuation of the asset. This valuation will be used by your lender to make sure they’re lending responsibly. Your bank/lender needs to make sure that […]

The Capital Properties Pinnacle Program – Property Investor Review Capital Properties’ 7 step process to successful property investment recognises that in order to master our trade craft, it’s vital for property investors to continuously review where we’re at and what our current, short-term and long-term objectives are. On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take […]

Wow! What a crazy last 6 to 9 months it’s been! Could anyone have predicted the current market events? Yep, we kinda did! And we’ve got a lot of grateful clients who followed our guidance and have fared exceedingly well, beyond even our high expectations. But if you’re still reeling and wondering what’s going on, […]

Why choose an interest-only loan? In the past, one of the best features of an interest-only loan was that it gave first home buyers the ability to start sooner and get a foot on the housing ladder. That’s because it allowed first-time buyers an increased opportunity to purchase without being under the pump to make […]

Looking to expand your portfolio? Have you considered interstate investment? Australia has always supported a nomadic lifestyle with one of the highest levels of internal migration in the world. In fact, almost 40% of Australians change their address every 5 years. That’s a whopping average of 13 moves in their lifetime! And in the past […]

Risk means different things to different people. For example, why do so many people put themselves at potential risk with different sports? I love to go surfing at my local beach. But I know many people are terrified about the thought of going into the water where I surf. I’ve had people question the threat […]

Been to an auction lately? Then you’ll have heard these words more than ever before. Because right now the property market is seriously hopping! In fact, according to Australia’s leading online property settlement platform, PEXA, there were more than a whopping 60,000 sales settlements recorded in February 2021. Not bad given the effect that the […]

Early 2020 saw some of the foremost Australian property markets in a major upswing, however it wasn’t long before awareness of the pandemic started to become more apparent. Australian media began reporting major property market correction and buyers began to question if it was a good time to buy. It’s not surprising then that many […]

The great interstate migration. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected Australia and the rest of the world significantly so where we choose to live and therefore our housing markets are also changing. Prior to the pandemic, the growth of Australia’s largest cities including Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, was fueled mostly by immigration from overseas as well […]

So, you’re building your investment property or owner-occupier home and the construction’s been ticking along nicely. Then all of a sudden, you check your email and BANG! You see the Practical Completion Invoice! For some this may be a long-awaited announcement, but it might catch others a little by surprise. No matter how ready you […]

If not…listen up! You might not think it, but the Australian Government is actively committed to helping younger generations to achieve the great Australian dream of home ownership. And this commitment means constantly thinking of new ways to make it happen. We call one of these schemes “The 5% Deposit Scheme.” Formally known as: The […]

Solar power is a great, clean way to power your home and your investment property. With solar energy you can reduce your dependency on high-priced electricity while you simultaneously reduce your carbon footprint. Here at Capital Properties, we’re all for reducing our carbon footprint. We’ve written about how we try and make our lives more […]

Are you ready to make your move? The Government introduced the First Home-Owner Grant (FHOG) in July 2000. The idea was to offset the effect of Goods & Services Tax (GST) on property purchases. Each state and territory administered the grants under their own legislation, but the principle remains the same nationally – allowing eligible […]

Congratulations. If you just purchased a block of land and have settled, then it’s time to celebrate! But don’t too carried too away, because there are still some things you need to do to make sure the build goes to plan. Read on as we share some tips to make the next stage of post-settlement […]

You’d need to have been living under a rock if you haven’t already heard about the new HomeBuilder Grant introduced on the 18th of June 2020. It’s the Governments’ fundamental response to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on the Australian economy. And they’ve made the package very attractive to Defence Force Members. On the go? […]

Construction almost completed? Don’t drop the ball now! Here at Capital Properties we make it our mission to help you with every stage of the finance and property investment journey. We hear stories of some poor souls doing all of the hard work only to have something go wrong at the last minute because they weren’t fully […]

Are you in the buying zone? One big mistake many investors and home buyers make is looking at deals and properties before they are finance ready. Because if you want to buy a property and you’re not really sure how much you can spend, it’s difficult to know where to look. The best place to […]

In uncertain times we can turn to fear, we can shut down and freeze. Or we can see possibilities and opportunities. It all comes down to cultivating the right mindset. On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take outs: Uncertainty is the only certain thing in life. How we respond to it and the decisions […]

There’s no denying the impact that COVID-19 has had on stock markets and property markets. But what does this mean for property investors? Is there opportunity to be found in our current situation? In this article we take a look at how COVID-19 compares to previous market downturns and consider exactly what impact it may […]

Research is one of the biggest, and most important, parts or your property investment journey. But finding credible, reliable information that’s easy to interpret can be tough. Today we’re sharing with you our go-to source for all your demographic insights. And the best part? It’s completely free. On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take […]

If you go to property investment seminars, read those ‘1 to 100’ books and follow enough so called ‘experts’ you might start to believe the property game is all about buying one property after another until you’re wealthy enough to retire. And look, I’m not saying it can’t be done. But lots of investors we initially chat with […]

Why are you investing? What is your vision for your life and how does investing in property help you achieve it? Thinking about your why and mapping out a vision for your life could be the driving force, the key to unlocking your success. On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take outs: Many first-time […]

Exchange contracts now settle later! Small deposit required (Typically 5 – 10 % of the land purchase price or less) to lock the contract price of the land and contract build price for a delayed settlement. Sound interesting? What’s the difference between a property title and deed? What’s the difference between an untitled and titled […]

When was the last time you checked in on your property investment and long term financial and lifestyle goals? Are you on track? Do you know what you need to do to take the next best step? Let us help you take stock and make smart decisions for now and for the long-term. On the […]

I’ve been in the property investment market for most of my life. It all started when I turned 17 years old and joined the Australian Defence Force. On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take outs: I joined the Defence Force at 17 years old in June of 1996. From my first regular wage I […]

Growing a property portfolio to fund your lifestyle goals (and give your parents bragging rights…) requires regular review of your financial position and investment artillery. Find out what to look for and how to arrange a property valuation to help you set up your equity loan. On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take outs: […]

Starting out on your investment journey can feel daunting and challenging.

Defence Force members looking for a hassle free, low maintenance investment that help them to lower their tax are getting great results from new build investment strategies.

Land and building contracts are legally binding documents. Once you’ve signed one you’re responsible for following through on the full terms and conditions.

Doubling your income might sound like a pipe dream, but with a popular two for one property – the dual key – it’s achievable. Find out why these investments are a great option for Defence Force owner occupiers and investors. On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take outs: Dual key properties can provide the […]

Being in front of the latest data can help you make informed investment decisions.

One of the biggest challenges I see with first-time investors is coming up with a sufficient deposit to apply for a loan.

Financial freedom is a damaging myth that perpetuates the idea that we should all be striving to escape from our lives through early retirement. Here’s why I think we should be shifting our perspective from financial freedom to financial independence. On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take outs: Financial freedom is a hot topic, […]

If you look hard enough you can always find a reason to invest, or not invest, in the property market. So, how can you really tell if now is the right time to invest?

When a fixed lease expires on your investment property it can be tricky to decide what to do next. In this blog we take you through the 8 essential questions you need to ask before increasing the rent.

As a first-time investor, you might feel a deep fear of making the wrong move. Maybe you’re stuck trying to choose the right market to invest in. Or maybe you’re waiting until you find the perfect property.

As we move to a close this year it is a great opportunity to reflect on how far you’ve come and what you’ve achieved. Then, the stage is set to look forward. It’s what I’m doing right now before New Year’s resolutions are usually made.

Sold an investment property this year? You could be up for capital gains tax. In this article, we cover exemptions and rules that will impact how much capital gains tax you will pay.

With few exceptions, everyone I chat to about their ultimate life goal wants to be living in their dream home, in a dream location, surrounded by people they love.

Surely, you’ve considered a small-scale development project, who hasn’t?! It’s an exciting prospect and the potential upside is better than your standard ‘buy and hold’ strategy.

If you’re about to head off on deployment for a chunk of time, getting your personal administration squared away is a priority. If you’re a property investor, even more so.

If you’ve bought an investment property, or are building a portfolio of them, well done you! Buying an investment property or three is not the solution to growing wealth. Actively managing your investment property strategy is.

If you’re considering renting out an investment property it’s important to understand what you’re responsibilities are as a landlord when it comes to maintaining the property and carrying out repairs.

While key property selection criteria is the smarts behind choosing an investment property to support your lifestyle goals, Australia’s economic conditions play a big part too.

As a surfer, the ocean plays a huge role in my life. But I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that, in the past, I’ve been naive about the threat that climate change and global warming poses on our oceans and the planet as a whole.

You may well be the most well-read property investor around, but do you know why you’re stepping into the property investment trade? What is it that you want to achieve and how does this align with what you truly value in life?

I felt compelled to share some of my life’s learnings with you, as I know that wherever you are in your own life’s journey you can benefit from those that have been there before you.

Bad habits simply get in the way of the good life and have a nasty side effect of keeping you from reaching your full potential.

The faster you pay off your home loan, the less money you’ll have to pay out in interest. More cash in your pocket rather than the bank’s, means more opportunity to achieve the lifestyle you’re working towards.

You need to find a mortgage broker with serious nous. A switched on mortgage broker is a key member of your investment support team, that will take the time to understand your goals and find solutions to help you reach them.

Whether you’re an investor at the peak of your property investment trade or you are just getting started, you’ll always be looking out for your next deal.

House design is an important factor when looking to purchase a house as an investment or otherwise.

Over the past couple of years the lending space has changed for investors like you and I. It is tougher than it was a few years ago.

Everybody talks about the upside of investing in property. While there are many positives, property investment isn’t always smooth sailing.

To get the best valuation on your investment property, you need to understand what a valuation is and what criteria a qualified valuer will be assessing. With knowledge under your belt, you can take some simple steps to lift the valuation of your property without over capitalising.

The idea behind investing in property will make sense to most of you. But how in the world do you get started in the first place?

When you’ve owned your property for a number of years you’ll need to weigh up the overall net cost of a renovation. Is it a renovation you need, or will some repair and maintenance do the trick to make your property attract good tenants?

According to the English Oxford Dictionary, a habit is: a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.

Prioritising spending time with friends who challenge and inspire you will change your life in many positive ways.

This article is an extract from my soon to be released book, Property Investment SOP. Watch this space!

In the 2017 Federal Budget, changes to Plant and Equipment deductions and the impacts on tax depreciation, got investors talking.

There are online property investment advice and tools beaming out of cyberspace offering glowing promises, everywhere.

The worst thing in the world for a property investor is not to know what is happening with your investment[s]! Get on top of your research and track how your investments are performing, keep up to date on cash flow and and tools to check the property management statements by reading this blog post.

Building your go-to ‘A-team’ to keep you moving toward your property investment goals, can take a lifetime.

There is no such thing as a risk-free investment! All investing carries some risk. A good investment strategy is one where the benefits outshine the risks over the longer term.

Switched-on property investors always know their cash flow position. They know this because understanding cash flow is how they’ve got to where they are.

If you’re young and in secure employment you’re in a unique position to get ahead in life. If you’re yet to start a family, you also have disposable income to put toward investing in your future.

My parents are property flippers. They’ve made it their trade. They buy a property under market value in a good location that needs a bit of a makeover. They plan and renovate with a goal to list put the property back on the market and turn a healthy quarterly profit.

As a first-time property investor, what steps do you need to take so you will reach a stage where you can tap into equity, and continue to grow?

If you’ve managed to stick to your guns, save your deposit and buy an investment property, well done!

A depreciation schedule on your brand new residential construction is your ticket to paying less tax and putting more money in your pocket.

Effective problem solving smarts is a must when you’re a property investor. If you’ve been in the property trade for a while you will come across problems with tenants that you’ll need to sort out.

If you spent your working life, paying tax on your income without looking into legal and ethical tax deduction claims available to you, you may end up handing over almost $1 million to the government.

If you crunch the numbers and find you can save money in the short or longer term, then refinancing your property investment loan is a wise move.

During my personal experience serving in the Navy, I noticed a strong correlation between the skills and mind sets that the RAN taught me, and those that have seen me succeed in property investment.

LOVE YOUR TENANTS. These people are most likely strangers to you that are getting in and helping you reduce your risk by covering most, or all, of your mortgage repayments!

Read this classic tale of two brothers in arms [Oppo's] that end up in vastly different financial positions due to choices made with a decent disposable income. And it’s a tale, not a fable – a true story but names have been changed.

Being great at risk management is a part of your job as a property investor. Having the right insurances in place will lower your risk, with minimal outlay.

Property investment is all about setting goals. The cash flow you generate from investing in property will fund the lifestyle goals you’ve set for yourself.

Well known physicist Albert Einstein was quoted as saying, “...imagination is more important than knowledge.”

Being handed the keys to your brand new property is exciting.

This fantastic nation of opportunity and sunshine is keeping us alive and well for years longer than the generations before us. So what we do between now and retirement is so important.

Congratulations! You are now a property investing landlord. Now it’s time to make your hard work, build wealth for you. Finding quality tenants will be a big next win!

Why do property investors buy multiple investment properties?

What does your future look like in five years time? Ten years? Fifteen years? If you haven’t already, it’s time to commit some goals to paper.

Buying an established residential property or a brand new build is a hotly debated topic in property investment conversations.

Invest five minutes of your time for a great return! Reading this article could save you thousands of dollars and keep stress minimal.

On a simple calculation, if you earn $60 000 in 2016 and do nothing about minimising your tax – around $12,000 of your earnings would go to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as income tax, including a Medicare levy.

Once you’ve set your sights on a goal, it’s simple to focus your energy on hitting the target - and to do it again.