2017 to be the year of the property investor

At the same time, stronger commodity prices will also further lift consumer confidence particularly in resource rich states such as Western Australia and Queensland.

The recent slow-down in new home construction is also positive news for property investors as it will limit the supply of new homes which in-turn will underpin rents and real estate values.

Interest rates are also expected to remain low and this will enable many new first time investors to enter the property market especially in parts of Australia where property prices are still very competitive such as Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland.

For astute first time property investors, there are still great opportunities throughout Australia to buy property and achieve sound levels of capital growth and rental returns over the coming year.

Top 5 tips for first time investors during 2017

1. Take a national approach to the property market rather than focusing on your local area. Take time and do your research and look at areas where the property market has bottomed and is on the cusp of recovery such as Perth in Western Australia and parts of Queensland.

2. Don’t make an emotional decision when buying an investment property. Too many first-time investors make the mistake of buying an investment property they would like to live in themselves without looking at whether it will appeal to renters.

3. Focus on affordable areas with proposed new infrastructure such as a new rail link. Investment in social infrastructure will make the area more popular with both property buyers and renters over time.

4. Consider buying a property where there is a broad range of property owners rather than just investors. For example, if the area has a significant number of owner-occupied homes it means that the potential pool of people wanting to buy your investment property in the future will be much higher than a property that just appeals to investors.

5. Always work towards a strategy of buying several investment properties rather than just one or two. Through owning several investment properties, you can create significant amounts of personal wealth. To achieve this outcome, put in place a long-term strategy and stick to it.