Is property market a wise retirement investment?

Retirement is a time when everyone wants to kick back, relax and enjoy their hard-earned years of labour. But it's also important to invest wisely during this period so that you can live comfortably and securely throughout your retirement years. One wise option to consider is investing in property markets! 

In this blog, we will explore why investing in property is such a wise decision, as well as how to capitalize on the various investment strategies available. You will also have a better understanding of how property investing works and be able to make an informed decision about retirement planning. So stick with us as we dive into the world of property investment – it could just be the key to reaching your financial goals! 

What is property investment?

Property investment is a popular way to diversify one's portfolio and build wealth because it offers several advantages, such as the potential for high returns, tax breaks and long-term capital appreciation. Yet, it comes with its own set of risks and requires careful planning before jumping in. 

For instance, investing in real estate is regarded as the "Great Australian Dream," but it seems like it's no longer a dream. Australians think about property for 2.5 hours on average each week, compared to 1.08 hours in the gym or 0.88 hours talking to their parents, according to HSBC bank data. (source: forbes)

This suggests that owning property is a goal that many are actively striving for - in terms of both financial security and social standing. But on the other hand, it also requires more time and planning than before because of the rising house prices.

Benefits of property investment

Property investment is a great way to secure your financial future. Here are some of the key benefits of investing in property:

• Cashflow - A rental property can generate a positive cash flow if it is rented out at the right price and on the right terms. This additional income can be used to cover living expenses or reinvested into other investments for added growth potential.
• Equity buildup - Real estate purchases give you a financial return on any future value increases since the equity in your investment rises together with the value of properties. When your property is sold, capital gains tax (CGT) may also be advantageous to you. For example, if you spent $500,000 on a property ten years ago, and it is now worth $900,000, you have made $400,000 in the capital.
• Inflation hedge - When prices rise, rents also tend to go up. This means that you'll have the potential to increase rents and maintain a steady income stream even if inflation occurs.
• Leverage - With property investing, you can use borrowed money (leverage) to purchase more than you could with cash alone. This lets you expand your portfolio faster and potentially reap greater returns on investment (ROI).
• Potential tax benefits - Depending on the jurisdiction, you may be able to take advantage of certain tax deductions when investing in real estate. This could include mortgage interest or other expenses associated with owning a rental property.

Property Investment Risks

Property investments come with certain risks, so it's important to understand these before deciding if it's the right option. Here are some of the main risks associated with property investment:

• Vacancy Risk - This is a risk associated with rental properties and refers to periods when there is no tenant paying rent. Even in an area that has a high demand for rentals, vacancies can still occur and this risk should be factored into any decision-making process.
• Interest Rate Risk - Mortgages become more expensive as interest rates rise, which may limit rental income cash flow or lower return on investment (ROI). Look into fixed-rate mortgages or other solutions that are less impacted by interest rate changes to lessen your exposure to this danger.
• Property Value Risk - This might happen when your property's value decreases as a result of events like economic downturns, shifts in the neighbourhood housing market, or natural disasters. You can diversify your portfolio and distribute your investment among several sorts of properties in various locations to lower your exposure to this risk.
• Tax Risk - Understanding the tax laws that apply in your area and taking them into consideration when making decisions is crucial since properties kept for rental income may be subject to taxes that must be taken into account.

Which types of the property make a wise investment?

It's important to consider every aspect of the property you are planning to invest in before making a purchase in order to maximise your return on investment in the property market. For example, location is one of the most important considerations. Start looking for areas where there is potential for both significant job growth and long-term population increase. More tenants are drawn to and pay higher rents in regions close to facilities like hospitals and universities than in rural or suburban areas with less access to services.

The potential for appreciation is another factor that can contribute to a successful property investment. So looking for areas where property values are likely to increase over time due to new developments or an influx of people or businesses is essential. Another important factor you can evaluate is the rental demand since properties in desirable areas with solid job growth attract young professionals, families, and seniors. 

Finally, before making a purchase, you should think about the return on investment (ROI). Research what similar properties have sold for in the area and compare them with your estimated income from rent payments and other expenses associated with owning a rental property to determine if the property is a good deal.

Should you talk to a financial planner?

Property investment is often seen as a wise retirement savings strategy. It can be more stable than stocks and bonds and allows retirees to use the equity of their property to pay for living costs or other expenses in later years. As long-term investments, real estate assets tend to appreciate over time, while income from tenants can help provide additional financial stability. 

However, there are risks associated with investing in property, including fluctuating market values and potential difficulty managing tenants or maintaining a property. Additionally, many retirees may have difficulty coming up with the large down payments required to purchase real estate. So whether or not investing in property is wise for retirement depends on each individual's financial situation and goals. That's why it may be wise to consult with a financial advisor before making any decisions.