Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate. – Andrew Carnegie

We can’t promise you’ll become a millionaire, but it is true that real estate is generally an excellent investment. If you purchase well, you will secure solid rental returns and a high resale down the track.

So what makes a good investment property?

We believe it is a combination of buying in a great location at the right time, with a dwelling that will be in demand by both tenants and future home buyers.

In terms of location, consider proximity to desirable amenities like schools, public transport, public facilities (libraries, parks, doctors), shops and lifestyle activities such as restaurants, beaches etc.

It is hard to argue that an investment property in the Casuarina, Salt and wider Kingscliff region doesn’t fit the criteria. The location is enviable, the dwellings are suitable for a variety of demographics and the rents are high. As a guideline, the average rental price for a house in Casuarina is currently $700 per week, fetching a yield of 3.33%. Units are fetching 5.62% yield. Average annual growth in Casuarina is 4.83%.

And what about timing? Here is something to consider. If Labor wins the May federal election, it’s reported they are planning to abolish negative gearing on established houses and halve capital gains tax discounts to 25 per cent.

To put that into context – a person earning $90,000 a year who makes a capital gain of $100,000 would pay tax of $29,250 under Labor’s new policy, instead of the current $19,500.

If elected, these changes will most likely come into effect 1 January next year – but will not apply to any existing investment properties. It will only apply to properties purchased after the new laws come into effect.

If you are considering an investment property, now may be the time to lock in a sale and avoid the new tax increase. Talk to our expert team today.