The Costs Involved in Property Investment

The Costs Involved in Property Investment

Property investment builds wealth providing you make
sound decisions that create excellent financial returns.
However, there’s an art to investing right. So, before
you rush out and start buying property, you need to
do your research and consider the upfront costs involved
in property investment. Then, you can determine if
property investment is affordable for you.
Let’s look at the costs you may encounter and
just how expensive these may be so you can
adequately budget when looking to buy an investment property.

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty is a government cost that differs from state-to-state.
Though, in most cases, it is dependent on the purchase price of
the property. Some states also offer first home buyers stamp duty
exemptions. So, it pays to review your eligibility.

How does stamp duty affect you?

Stamp duty can:

  • Add thousands to the purchase price of an established home or land.
  • Be an unexpected cost.
  • Get calculated as a percentage of the total purchase price of a property.
  • Vary in cost from state-to-state.

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The Deposit

If you don’t have home equity, then you’ll need to save
a deposit before buying an investment property. Sure,
you can borrow more than 80% of a property’s value,
but you’ll have to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
This insurance can add tens of thousands to the cost of
property and is an additional cost that you should look
to avoid, if possible.

Who does LMI protect?

  • LMI is lender insurance that protects the lender against loss.
  • Should you default on loan repayment, LMI covers the lender’s costs.
  • As a borrower, LMI is of no benefit to you.

Land Tax

Your primary place of residence is exempt from land tax.
Nonetheless, an investment property may attract a fee.
Once again, this tax varies from state-to-state.

What are the terms of land tax?

The amount of land tax payable depends on the
state the property is in, and the value of the property.
Other considerations are:

  • Land to a certain value is exempt from land tax.
  • After you reach the threshold, you’ll have to pay an annual fee.
  • Tax is only payable on the land value, not the home.

Council Rates

Local council taxes apply to property you purchase.
These fees vary depending on the council that governs
your property and the estimated value of the home.

What does this cost cover?

This property investment cost typically covers:

  • Road and footpath, kerbs, channels and drain maintenance.
  • Rubbish collection – though some councils charge extra.
  • Sewerage and light maintenance.
  • Infrastructure and services.

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Corporate Body Fees

Should you purchase a townhouse, unit or apartment,
this will attract a corporate body fee. This fee covers
the costs of maintenance and insurance for the grounds
and buildings. All complexes have varying fees depending
on the property type purchased and the size of the actual property.

How much are corporate body fees?

  • These fees can be anything from a few hundred dollars
  • per quarter through to thousands of dollars.
  • Fees typically vary depending on the size of the complex.
  • So, the more apartments or units, the larger the fee.
  • The more amenities offered by the complex – tennis court,
  • pool and gym – the higher the fees.

Utility Costs

When you first buy property, you’ll need to ensure the installation of all utilities.
These include water, electricity, and gas, if available. While your tenant handles the connection and usage cost to all utilities, except water, you’ll need to manage the initial utility set-up.

What utility costs apply?

The costs you can expect to pay include:

  • Initial water connection and ongoing sewerage fees.
  • Gas and electricity installation and upgrades.

Emergency Services Levy

Any property attracts an emergency services levy. This fee
pays for the metropolitan and country fire service, state
emergency services and marine rescue.

How is the fee calculated?

The services levy is governed by:

  • Investment property values as determined by your
  • official council rate notice, not market value.
  • Your property’s location – regional or city code.
  • The fixed council fees.

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