Investment Property Checklist — 5 Questions Before You Buy

A 'good feeling' is not an investment strategy

Drive content prepared for Thao's investor education used a simple five-question test before an investor makes an offer. The point is to pressure-test the decision before purchase, not after.

1. What is the holding cost after rent?

Look beyond gross rent. Include loan payments, rates, strata if relevant, insurance, management, maintenance and realistic vacancy assumptions.

2. Can you handle vacancy?

Ask what happens to your cash flow if the property is empty for several weeks or you face an unexpected repair.

3. Is there real tenant demand?

Do not assume demand because a suburb is popular. Check the property type, likely tenant profile, competing stock and current rental evidence.

4. What is your exit plan?

Know whether you intend to hold long-term, renovate, sell, refinance or use the property as part of a broader portfolio. The exit plan changes what matters at purchase.

5. What are you actually buying for?

Cash flow and capital growth are not the same objective, and a property may not maximise both. Be clear about what role this asset needs to play.

Message INVEST with the property link + price + expected rent if you want help organising the questions and evidence to discuss with your broker/accountant/advisers.

Thao Pham | Sydney | 0452 526 888 | info@eltnetwork.com | Class 1 Licensed Real Estate Agent — Licence No. 20375265

General education only; not financial, tax or investment advice and no return is guaranteed.