Property investing
Property Investing in Australia
Property investing is one of the most established ways Australians build long-term financial security, but the outcome depends on a lot more than picking the right suburb. How you structure the finance, which tax benefits apply, and what you actually want from the investment all shape whether it works for you.
This section covers the core topics every investor should understand before making a decision. Whether you are just starting to research or have already bought your first investment property, begin with the areas most relevant to where you are now.
A discovery session with Cam or Adam, our Property Investment Specialists. Bring your rent, your income and your borrowing position and we will work from there.
01 Getting started
Start with the foundations
These guides cover the foundations: how investment property works, the most common strategies, and how different approaches may suit different goals.
Beginners' guide to property investing
Investment property works differently from buying a home to live in, and the distinctions matter from day one. This guide covers how investment property is structured, how investors typically approach financing a purchase, and what to look for when assessing a location. It also explains the ongoing costs involved so you can build a realistic picture of what holding an investment property actually looks like. If you have not bought an investment property before, this is the right place to start.
Read the beginner's guide to property investing
Rentvesting explained
Rentvesting separates where you live from where you invest. Rather than waiting until you can afford to buy in your preferred suburb, you purchase an investment property in a growth area while continuing to rent where you want to live. For some buyers, it offers a way to enter the market sooner and begin building equity without compromising on location or lifestyle. This guide explains how the strategy works, who it tends to suit, and what to factor in before committing to the approach.
Investing strategies
There is more than one way to invest in property, and the right approach depends on your income, timeline, and goals. Some investors focus on long-term capital growth. Others prioritise rental yield and steady cash flow from the outset. This guide sets out the most common investment frameworks and the circumstances where each tends to work well, without pushing any single approach as the right answer for everyone.
Explore property investing strategies
02 Financial considerations
Where first-time investors are least prepared
The financial side of property investing is where many first-time investors are least prepared. These guides cover the two tax-related benefits that most commonly affect investment returns.
Negative gearing applies when a property's holding costs exceed the rental income it generates. In some cases, investors may be able to offset that shortfall against other income, which could reduce their overall tax liability depending on their circumstances. The actual benefit varies based on income level, property type, and how the investment is structured.
Note: negative gearing rules for new residential property purchases changed on 12 May 2026.
Property depreciation
Property depreciation allows investors to claim a tax deduction on the wear and tear of a property and its fixtures over time. It is a benefit that is often overlooked, particularly by first-time investors focused on the purchase itself. The amount you can claim depends on the age and condition of the property, with newer properties typically offering stronger depreciation entitlements. This guide explains how it works and why it is worth factoring in before you decide on a property type.
03 Choosing the right approach
The practical decisions that come next
Once you understand the fundamentals, most investors face a set of practical decisions: what type of property to buy, where to buy, and how to structure the investment. These guides cover the questions that come up most at that stage.
Capital growth vs rental yield
Investment properties tend to deliver returns in one of two ways: appreciation in value over time, or income through rent. Properties that do both well tend to be the strongest performers, but finding that balance in the market is rarely straightforward. Whether you prioritise capital growth, rental yield, or a combination of the two depends on your financial position and your timeline. This guide breaks down how each works, what drives them, and how to weigh them against each other.
Compare capital growth and rental yield
Off-plan property investing
Buying off-plan means purchasing a property before construction is complete. It is a common route for investors in Melbourne's growth corridors, where new houses and apartment developments regularly come to market with competitive entry pricing and strong depreciation entitlements. Off-plan purchases also now hold negative gearing and capital gains tax benefits that established properties no longer hold. This guide covers what is involved and what to understand before you sign a contract.
Read the off-plan property guide
Co-buying and co-ownership
Purchasing an investment property with another person can make the market more accessible, particularly for buyers who cannot comfortably reach a price point on their own. Co-ownership arrangements can take different legal forms, and the structure you choose affects how the asset is managed, how costs and returns are divided, and what happens if one party wants to sell their share. The key considerations are broadly the same regardless of who you are buying with. This guide covers what to work through before committing to an arrangement.
Explore co-buying and co-ownership
SMSF property investment
Investing in property through a self-managed super fund is possible under Australian superannuation rules, but it operates under a separate regulatory framework with its own eligibility criteria, restrictions, and ongoing obligations. It is not a strategy that suits every investor, and the compliance requirements mean independent legal, financial, and tax advice is essential before you proceed. This guide covers what is generally allowed, where the key restrictions sit, and the questions any investor in this position needs to work through.
Read the SMSF property guide
04 Where do you fit?
Find the approach that matches your situation
Property investing looks different depending on where you are in life. Someone building a first investment portfolio using equity from an existing home has different goals and considerations to someone looking to expand their existing investment property portfolio, or a high-income professional looking for long-term wealth without changing where they live. Explore the profiles below to find the approach most relevant to your situation.
05 FAQ
Common questions about property investing
Property investing involves buying real estate with the intention of generating a return through rental income, capital growth, or both. In Australia, the most common approach is purchasing residential property as a long-term investment, though residential and commercial property are also options depending on the investor's goals and financial position.
Residential property has historically been one of the more stable asset classes available to Australian investors, though performance varies significantly by location, property type, and market conditions. Whether it is suitable for your situation depends on your financial position, goals, and timeframe, and speaking with a qualified professional is an important step before making any investment decision.
Capital growth refers to the increase in a property's value over time. Rental yield is the annual rental income expressed as a percentage of the property's purchase price or current value. Both contribute to overall investment returns, and most investors weigh up both when assessing a property, though which one you prioritise will depend on your circumstances.
Most investors start by assessing their borrowing capacity, understanding the ongoing costs of holding an investment property, and researching locations that align with their goals. Getting clear on those fundamentals before looking at specific properties tends to produce better decisions than starting with a property and working backwards.
06 Why Oli Property
Finding investment-grade property takes real research. Backed by 70 years of Oliver Hume property expertise, we help everyday Australians build wealth through smart property investment.
We monitor 4,800 suburbs using data-backed research to identify the best opportunities. Because we specialise in brand new and off-the-plan properties, our clients get access before listings reach the open market.
New properties come with real tax advantages, including negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions, and can help you pay off your mortgage up to 15 years faster.
Every recommendation goes through our Investment Review Process, backed by 60+ data points, so you're guided by a team from strategy all the way through to settlement.
70+
Years of property expertise
1954
Backed by Oliver Hume, est. 1954
290,000+
Australian buyers helped
4,800
Suburbs under research
This marketing material and its contents is provided for general information purposes only. No part of this marketing material constitutes any advice (financial, tax or otherwise), recommendation or representation to you as to any decision which you should make. You should not use any part of this marketing material to form the basis of any investment decision made by you. Before making any investment decision, you should take independent advice from a professional adviser which takes into account your individual needs and circumstances. All information, opinions and estimates contained in this marketing material are subject to change without notice. We disclaim to the greatest extent possible all liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising directly or indirectly from this marketing material or its contents.