Here are just some of the reasons it makes sense to choose an investment property in Australia:

• You have clear influence and control over how your investment is managed and you can see the results of your decisions.
• You choose how involved you want to be. Whether you want to be deeply involved or use a property manager is up to you.
• Your peace of mind is paramount – you manage your investment your way.

You hold the power

Unlike shares, property is a physical asset you can see and understand. In regard to property investment: knowledge is power. You’ll make your money through one of four main mechanisms:

Cash flow

The rental income you receive is an important benefit of property investment.

Capital gains

Strong capital growth comes when your property appreciates at above-average rates due to demand from tenants and other owner occupiers in the area. A well-selected property will always appreciate in value.

Tax advantages

Although you’d never invest only for tax reasons, a good tax strategy can help reduce your bottom line.

Property improvements

You can influence the quality of your investment by maintaining it, improving it and managing it well.

You select the degree of personal involvement

With property investment, the degree of involvement is up to you. If you enjoy close involvement, you can complete all the bookwork, do the maintenance and manage the tenant relationships yourself.  If you don’t have time or don’t like doing these things yourself, you can step back and let a property manager take care of all the day to day details.  Managing a property yourself can increase overall returns, but it’s important to weigh up the true cost in terms of your peace of mind and family life when you’re considering how involved you want to be.

Property investment is a means to an end.  Choosing to invest in property is a way of growing your wealth that puts you in charge. At the end of the day, your property investment strategy will be one that best suits you, your budget and approach to life.