Kahla Gerard’s Post

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Est. 1999 I Property Wealth Planner I Buyers' Advocate & Agent I Licensee In Charge

12 GOLDEN RULES TO INVESTING INTO OFF THE PLAN (OTP) PROPERTY Note: Visionworks sources existing, new and existing, and OTP properties... it all depends on our client's goals and circumstances. The following list is not exhaustive, but it's a good foundational guide for lay investors buying OTP. 1. Property is a medium to long term asset class so you need to purchase with a 'Buy & Hold' mentality. 2. Do not buy property in 'greenfield' sites (undeveloped land in an urban or rural area with no infrastructure), instead choose 'infill' sites (tracts of empty or under-utilised land in urban and built-up areas with existing and expanding infrastructure and lifestyle surrounding it). 3. Capital growth is directly related to the amount of surrounding infrastructure and lifestyle attractions in an area, not the amount of land you are buying. 4. A quality 'owner occupier grade' property will always perform and look better over time, whereas an 'investment grade' property may look good to begin with, but after about year 5, just as your depreciation has diminished, your maintenance costs will rise while your rental yield softens due to the property looking tired. 5. If you buy 'owner occupier' grade quality to begin with, the gross yield may only start at around 4%, but these properties create a demand and first the rent goes up, then the capital growth increases; this story keeps getting better over time. 6. Always choose a premium developer who has hired a premium builder (the builder will do due diligence on the developer before agreeing to build the project). Premium builders and develops not only have the resources to complete the project, the end photographs are generally better than any of the initial artist images, plus they'll keep you updated with construction updates so you're not left wondering what's going on. 7. Always do your homework and check everything a salesperson has provided you, including visiting previous projects that the developer/builder have constructed, plus look at their online reviews. 8. Never engage a lawyer or mortgage broker associated with the developer. Do all the searches your lawyer recommends. 9. Have your deposit ready and ensure your mortgage broker has given you a reliable borrowing capacity. 10. Ensure you do not change your financial circumstances while you're waiting for settlement, unless it's for the better. 11. At the end of the build, organise 3 Defect Inspections; one pre-settlement, one post settlement, and one 6 weeks before your builders' warranty ends. In this way, you'll have the peace of mind that ALL your defects are addressed without extra cost to you, and if they aren't, you now have the paperwork to ensure you're legally protected. 12. Remember trust should be earned, never given. If you'd like more information, or a free consultation (free of cost or obligation), contact 0414 875 900.

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