Old vs. New Property: Which Is A Better Investment For You?

October 19, 2020
When it comes to purchasing an investment property, there are two options: You can buy an existing house and simply let it out to a tenant. Or you can build a new house specifically designed for tenant occupancy.

In weighing up these two options, there are some very important considerations to be aware of – ones that will both save you money and make you money.

If you are an overseas investor, the first option of buying an existing property is not available to you, as foreign buyers can only purchase brand-new property in Australia. If you are an Australian investor, the option of buying an existing property may seem, at first glance, the easiest option. However, there are some important things you need to factor into your decision.

Paying Retail Price

An existing property will always be priced at a point that is comparable with neighbouring similar properties, so you are paying the ‘retail’ price no matter where it is located or how old it is.

Added Expense

Secondly, an existing property will often not be covered by any warranty, and the structural integrity and build quality will often be completely unknown. This can lead to considerable costs later on if defects occur and need to be repaired. Worse still, an old or poorly built structure with no warranty can lead to your property becoming un-tenantable, costing you money in repair and lost rental income.

Your second option is to purchase a brand-new property, or better still, to purchase off-the-plan. Not only does this make practical sense if you are a foreign investor, but it is the option which gives you a number of important advantages – and greatly increases your capital gain and your income security.

Lowest Possible Price

Buying a new property off-the-plan means you are buying at the lowest possible price. Off-the-plan, brand-new properties are almost always in newly developed housing estates, where the purchase price is at its lowest, and well below ‘retail’ prices of surrounding, established properties.

Off-the-plan purchases may take longer to become tenant-ready, but you have the advantage of paying less than half the government stamp duty because you are paying tax on the land only, not a completed dwelling.

Increased Confidence

In addition, buying a brand-new property off-the-plan gives you time to fully get to know your builder. Before you sign your contract, you have ample opportunity to carry out your due diligence and satisfy yourself as to the credentials and track record of the builder who will construct your new house.

Protection

With a brand-new house, you automatically have the protection of the compulsory 6 years, 7 months structural guarantee mandated by the Victorian Building Authority.
If your builder is providing a structural guarantee greater than the statutory minimum, then you can be satisfied that they take quality seriously and will be designing and building your house to a standard that exceeds the average. This will not only save you money in unanticipated repairs later on but will underpin a higher resale value when the time comes for you to sell.

Customising Your Property

Lastly, buying a brand new, off-the-plan property allows you to specify features in your house that will make it more appealing to a tenant. Tenants prefer new, contemporary homes and features like an extra bedroom rather than an alfresco space, separate living areas for families and high-quality kitchen appliances go a long way to attracting the best tenants. With your property in high demand, your rental income is assured and your cashflow maximised.

Taking the time to design your property for tenancy, selecting your builder carefully and choosing the right point along the development path to make your purchase, ensures your investment in a rental property will give you the greatest return in cashflow and capital gain over the long term.

If you would like to find out more about buying an investment property Off-the-Plan, contact Resimax Group at investors@resimaxgroup.com.au