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Property Investment Fundamentals

Australian residential property

Property Investment Fundamentals

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Property Investment Fundamentals

What is a quantity surveyor and why does an investment property owner need one?

A quantity surveyor (QS) is a construction cost professional who specialises in estimating and measuring the value of building materials, labour, and construction works. For investment property owners in Australia, their most relevant service is preparing a Tax Depreciation Schedule. What a Tax Depreciation Schedule contains. A QS physically inspects the property and documents every …

Daniel Chadrawy28 April 2026
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Property Investment Fundamentals

Can I invest in property through a trust in Australia?

Yes. Property can be held through a family discretionary trust or a unit trust in Australia. Trust structures are used by some investors for asset protection and tax planning purposes, though they come with important limitations and costs. Discretionary (family) trust. A trustee holds the property on behalf of discretionary beneficiaries. Income and capital gains …

Daniel Chadrawy28 April 2026
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Property Investment Fundamentals

What is the difference between gross and net rental yield?

Gross rental yield and net rental yield are both measures of an investment property’s income performance, but they tell different stories. Understanding the difference is essential for comparing investment opportunities accurately. Gross rental yield. Gross yield is the property’s annual rental income expressed as a percentage of its value, before deducting any costs. It is …

Daniel Chadrawy28 April 2026
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Property Investment Fundamentals

How does a property manager help investment property owners?

A property manager acts as the landlord’s professional representative in managing a tenanted investment property. For time-poor investors — particularly professionals who own properties remotely or hold multiple assets — property management is generally essential rather than optional. Core services provided by a property manager: Tenant selection. Advertising the property, screening tenants (including rental history …

Daniel Chadrawy28 April 2026
Liviti
Property Investment Fundamentals

What are the ongoing costs of owning an investment property in Australia?

Owning an investment property in Australia involves a range of ongoing costs that must be accounted for in any cash flow analysis. Many investors underestimate these costs, which can significantly affect actual returns. Mortgage repayments. The largest ongoing cost for most investors. Interest-only repayments are tax-deductible; principal repayments are not. Property management fees. A property …

Daniel Chadrawy28 April 2026
Liviti
Property Investment Fundamentals

What is infrastructure investment and how does it affect property values?

Infrastructure investment by government — including new rail lines, motorways, hospitals, universities, employment precincts, and urban renewal programs — is one of the most reliable leading indicators of future property value growth in the areas it serves. Why infrastructure drives property values. Infrastructure investment increases the liveability, accessibility, and economic activity of the areas it …

Daniel Chadrawy28 April 2026
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Property Investment Fundamentals

What is population growth and why does it matter for property investors?

Population growth is one of the most fundamental drivers of residential property demand. Areas that attract more residents — whether through natural increase, interstate migration, or international migration — generate greater demand for housing. When this demand growth outpaces housing supply, property values rise and vacancy rates fall. Why it matters for investors. Rental demand. …

Daniel Chadrawy28 April 2026
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Property Investment Fundamentals

How do Australian property investors use equity to buy more properties?

Using equity to buy additional investment properties is one of the most common wealth-building strategies for Australian property investors. It allows investors to grow their portfolio without saving large cash deposits for each subsequent purchase. How usable equity is calculated. A lender will typically lend up to 80% of the value of an existing property …

Daniel Chadrawy28 April 2026
Liviti
Property Investment Fundamentals

What is an investment-grade property in Australia?

Investment-grade property is a term used by buyer’s agents and investment advisers to describe properties with characteristics that make them suitable for long-term wealth building, as distinct from properties that happen to be available for purchase. Key characteristics of investment-grade property: Broad appeal. The property appeals to a wide range of tenants — not a …

Daniel Chadrawy28 April 2026