Skip to main

Climbing the property ladder

The sooner you get on the property ladder, the sooner your equity grows and you can start duplicating. Here are 6 expert tips from RAMS to get you started.

Climbing the property ladder

03 February 2021

Property investment and renovations could be for anyone; it all comes down to your goals and dreams.

When you're starting out and have limited finances it is tough but the sooner you get on the ladder, the sooner your equity could grow and you could start climbing the property ladder. 

1.     Consider how much debt you’re comfortable with 

Some people are afraid of debt, as they perceive it as dangerous. However, debt could increase your return and shorten the time it takes to get the return. 

It is also worth noting that debt could increase your risk if you become unable to meet your repayments, so every investor needs to know how much debt they are comfortable taking on and making repayments on.

2.     Stick to your strategy

Every investor should have their own strategy that reflects their circumstances and adversity to risk. Figure out what works for you and, once you've found your strategy, stick with it. Be aware of other opportunities and get other advice from the professionals. 

3.     Choose the right property

Focus on purchasing "cosmetically tired" rather than "structurally tired" properties. Structural work is often where problems can occur and this could be more expensive to repair.  

Some of the most efficient and simple ways to renovate a cosmetically tired home include painting, carpeting, polishing floorboards, converting a garage into a bedroom, styling, replacing kitchen doors, re-enameling tiles and the bath and replacing fittings.

4.     Consider who is likely to buy your property and what they want in a property. 

You also need to know what other homes are on the market in the area, what condition they're in and what features they offer compared to yours. 

If you're selling a property much of the sale price will come down to the cosmetics such as painting, carpeting and styling. Some of the worst properties styled well can sell for a premium, compared to better properties that haven't been styled as well.

5.     Make sure the property is lettable

To ensure a property is tenanted you may want to consider buying a property in a high demand location with low rental vacancies. It’s also important to put yourself in the tenants’ shoes before you buy and ask yourself what you would want if you were a tenant. 

6.     Invest in professional expertise

You may find it helpful to get advice from the professionals when purchasing your first investment property, and any future properties. 

Every investor should consider engaging with a good accountant, financial advisor, real estate agent, valuer and building inspector. 

You might also like

The state where investors are flocking29 November 2023 | Blog | 3minRead
The rise of rentvesting21 September 2023 | Blog | 3minRead

Speak to a home loan specialist