Six strategies to put you on top of the property ladder, no matter what!

As we move into the next phase of our property cycle it's important to remember there are still some speed bumps along the road that will trip up many property investors.

Things like all the economic headwinds we face including the effects of the corona virus, the stricter bank lending environment and the competition from emotionally charged buyers overpaying because of fear of missing out.

But it’s important to remember that it is not so much the outside world that defines our success, but the place we take in us as investors.

There will always be forces working against us over which we have no control.

Politicians will keep making and changing policies, interest rates will rise and fall and the world will keep on turning without much regard for our personal plans.

In order to navigate through the changes and obstacles that will inevitably crop up, we need prepare in advance to weather these difficulties.

So let’s look at six strategies that could help you reach your investment goals, irrespective of the external forces at play:

1. Invest in your knowledge before you invest in bricks and mortar

The best place to start investing is in yourself.

However with so much information out there, it’s hard to know who to listen to.

I suggest you learn from others who’ve not only achieved what you want to achieve, but who’ve maintained their wealth over a long period of time, not just during the last property cycle.

You see a rising tide lifts all ships.

Also surround yourself with like minded people and get a mentor who will not only inspire and challenge you, but hold you accountable for your actions.

2. Marry your investment plans with your investment capital

There’s little doubt that some investors have bitten off more than they can chew and will come unstuck because they’ve over-committed financially. 

Sure it’s exciting to have big dreams, but if the path to get you there is paved with gold that you simply can’t afford, then your dreams run the risk of becoming dilemmas.

Remember that all booms come to an end and, like in the past, this new  property cycle will peak.

So while enjoying the current phase, make sure you’re financially prepared for what’s ahead.

3. Use your portfolio to reduce your risk

Strategic investors look forward to the best of times but protect their portfolios for the tough times that will inevitably come.  

Rather than gearing to the max, they take a more prudent approach by building an emergency buffer to buy themselves time to ride through the storms.

These are often lines of credit or offset accounts, which they can call upon should the unexpected such as a loss of employment, a prolonged illness, an unforeseen repair or an extended vacancy in their rental property occur.

They also own the type of property that will be in continuous strong demand by a wide demographic of owner-occupiers in the big capital cities of Australia, because these locations are underpinned by multiple pillars of economic support and therefore values don’t fluctuate widely when times become tough.

4. Do the due diligence before you do the deal

While the average investors buy their properties emotionally, sophisticated investors have an investment plan that they adhere to and carefully evaluate any potential investment opportunity in light of their long-term goals.

They know that this makes their investment decisions less emotional and their results are more consistent and predictable.

5. Keep your sights set on your goals

While most investors buy a property and hold it for the long term, strategic investors regularly review their investment portfolio’s performance in light of their long-term goals.

They understand that they should only own “investment grade” assets.

Currently many are evaluating how their properties will perform in the long term  and if the properties in their portfolio will help them achieve their long term plans

This means some are considering selling up secondary properties that are likely to languish and hold back the performance of their portfolios.

I like to look at my portfolio’s performance at least once a year:

1. Is this property performing to my expectations?
2. Is this property likely to outperform the market?
3. If this property were for sale today would I buy it again?
4. Does this property still fit in with my overall plan?

You see…over time you grow, your skills improve and your circumstances change.

Treat your property like a business and evaluate your assets dispassionately and take appropriate action.

6. Remember that in real estate, less is often more

The person who wins in the end is not the one with the most properties.

And contrary to what you might believe, owning heaps of properties does not necessarily mean you will have financial freedom later in life.

Concentrate on getting the best deals for your investment goals, not the most deals.

When it comes down to it, capital growth is key in building wealth through real estate and properties that outperform the long term averages always come at a price. 

The trick is to avoid cheap or secondary properties.

You make your money when you buy your property, not by purchasing a cheap property, but by buying the right property.

Hopefully your investment journey will be a long one however this means you’re likely to encounter some good economic times and some tough ones, periods of low interest rates and high interest rates, booms in the property markets and slumps.

Remember to prepare for the worst, while hoping for the best – in other words maximise your upside while at the same time covering your downside and you’ll remain in control of your destiny.

BY THE WAY…

If you're looking at buying your next home or investment property here's 4 ways we can help you:

Sure our property markets are improving, but correct property selection is even more important than ever, as only selected sectors of the market are likely to outperform.

Why not get the independent team of property strategists and buyers' agents at Metropole to help level the playing field for you?

We help our clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through a range of services including:

1. Strategic property advice. - Allow us to build a Strategic Property Plan for you and your family.  Planning is bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now! Click here to learn more
2. Buyer's agency - As Australia's most trusted buyers’ agents we've been involved in over $3Billion worth of transactions creating wealth for our clients and we can do the same for you. Our on the ground teams in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane bring you years of experience and perspective - that's something money just can't buy. We'll help you find your next home or an investment grade property.  Click here to learn how we can help you.
3. Wealth Advisory - We can provide you with strategic tailored financial planning and wealth advice. Click here to learn more about we can help you.
4. Property Management - Our stress free property management services help you maximise your property returns. Click here to find out why our clients enjoy a vacancy rate considerably below the market average, our tenants stay an average of 3 years and our properties lease 10 days faster than the market average.

You may also want to read: Your Complete Guide to Property Investment

About Michael Yardney Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He's once again been voted Australia's leading property investment adviser and one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.