Property Investing 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Building Wealth Through Real Estate
Thinking about buying an investment property? Start here.
Investing in property is one of the most popular ways Australians build long-term wealth — and for good reason. With the right strategy, real estate can offer stable rental income, tax benefits, and capital growth over time.
But like any investment, it comes with risks — and the best results come from being informed, prepared, and supported by the right experts. At AMI Home Loans, we help new and experienced investors finance smart property decisions every day. Here's what you need to know to get started.
Why Invest in Property?
Property can be a powerful part of your wealth-building strategy. Here’s why many Aussies choose it:
Steady rental income from tenants
Capital growth as the property's value increases
Tax benefits through deductions and depreciation
Leverage — using a mortgage to control a larger asset with a smaller deposit
But it’s not instant riches — it’s a long-term game that requires smart planning.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before you buy, you’ll need to get your finances in shape:
A deposit (typically 10–20% of the property price)
A good credit history
Evidence of stable income
We’ll help you figure out your borrowing capacity and structure your loan in a way that suits your investment goals — whether that’s capital growth, cash flow, or a balance of both.
Choosing the Right Investment Strategy
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to investing. Some common strategies include:
Buy and Hold: Purchase a property and hold it long-term for rental income and capital growth.
Positive Cash Flow: Focus on properties where rent exceeds expenses.
Negative Gearing: Accept a shortfall now for tax deductions and long-term growth.
Renovate and Flip: Buy under market value, renovate, and sell for profit (more advanced).
We’ll help you choose the right loan features to support your plan — including interest-only repayments, offset accounts, or line of credit options.
What Makes a Good Investment Property?
Not every property makes a good investment. Look for:
High rental demand (near schools, transport, jobs)
Potential for capital growth
Low vacancy rates
Low maintenance costs
Strong yield (rent relative to price)
Research the area, look at long-term trends, and consider speaking with a buyer’s agent or local property manager.
Structuring Your Investment Loan
As your broker, we’ll help you structure your loan to maximise flexibility and tax effectiveness. Options include:
Interest-only vs principal and interest
Fixed vs variable rates
Offset accounts or redraw facilities
Using equity in your current home
Our job is to match your strategy with the right lending product — from over 30 banks and lenders.
Tax Benefits of Property Investing
One of the big drawcards of property investment is the tax benefits. You may be able to claim deductions for:
Loan interest
Property management fees
Repairs and maintenance
Depreciation (on the building and assets)
Always speak with an accountant before buying to understand what applies to your situation.
Risks to Be Aware Of
Like any investment, property comes with risks:
Vacancies and unreliable tenants
Unexpected repairs or maintenance
Interest rate rises
Market downturns
That’s why planning and professional support are key. We’ll help ensure your loan is set up to handle the ups and downs.
Ready to Invest? Let’s Talk.
At AMI Home Loans, we make property investing easier by:
Comparing the right lenders and loan options
Structuring your loan to suit your strategy
Guiding you through every step — from pre-approval to purchase
And best of all? Our service is completely free.