CPS Property Buying Process_2009-10-28

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Complete Property Solutions

Guide to Buying a Home or Investment Property

Buying a home or investment property is not something that people do every


day, unless of course you are a buyers’ agent! There are many steps that
need careful consideration and lots of time to get the best result. This
checklist provides a snapshot of the key steps required in purchasing an
investment property.

1. Your goals

Understand your investment goals and risk profile. You must have a basic
understanding and belief in the property market before committing any
investment dollars. Spend some time considering the risks and rewards from
property investing and speak to your licensed financial planner, accountant
and other people that have been successful.

2. Borrowing capacity

Before commencing a property search, it is important to know how much a


bank or financial institution will lend you based on your current financial
position. The mortgage market is very competitive and finance brokers can
assist you in sifting through the maze of investment loan options. It doesn’t
cost anything to get finance pre-approval and this will put you in a good
position to act on a purchase if a suitable opportunity arises. Most pre-
approvals are valid for 3 months. Knowing your borrowing capacity helps you
narrow your property search to properties within your price range. CPS
Property is also a mortgage broker that can assist in your finance needs.

3. Research

This step can take a long time and is where the real leg work is done.
However, by using a buyer’s agent, you can leverage your time and let a
professional researcher achieve a better result in a shorter time. Astute
investors begin their search by using strict investment criteria. This includes
criteria such as land content, location, proximity to schools, shops and
transport and other physical features about the property that affect future
capital growth.
CPS Property makes extensive use of growth predictions from professional
research companies such as BIS Shrapnel, Residex, Real Estate Institute of
NSW & Aust, ABS and the Home Price Guide. Through our own independent
research we gather knowledge from local agents to make our own
assessment of capital growth potential and rental yields. Combining these
broad overviews with “on-the-ground” localised knowledge provides our
clients with a competitive advantage when buying investment property. CPS
Property is also able to access “silent listings” where a property is not
advertised to the general public.

4. Evaluate a short-list

Extensive research then results in a preliminary list of properties to be


considered. A handful of properties are selected from this list for you to
inspect. Doing this yourself can take many months and it is easy to overlook
properties that meet the investment criteria. The time we spend with you
viewing the shortlist will provide invaluable insights into the local market and
help clarify your decision-making.

5. Negotiate

Once you have selected the most suitable property from a short list, we will
negotiate the lowest price possible and the best terms and conditions for the
contract of sale.

6. Review contract of sale

After the offer is accepted, the contract of sale is forwarded to your solicitor for
review. The solicitor will examine the special conditions, inclusions and
settlement term consulting with you and liaising with the vendors’ solicitor
requesting changes if required.

7. Exchange of contracts

The solicitors then exchange contracts along with a 10% deposit. Once the
exchange has occurred the purchaser has secured the property. (Note:
contracts of sale can also be exchanged by the vendors’ agent if the
purchaser pays a non-refundable deposit of 0.25% of the purchase price).
Once the contract is signed the purchaser has a 5 day cooling off period in
which they may rescind the contract but forfeit the 0.25% deposit to the
vendor.
8. Pest & Building Inspection

Pest and building inspections are usually done during the 5 day cooling off
period. This also allows time for the solicitor to undertake the relevant title
searches and enquiries in the property. Pest and building inspections should
highlight all the problems with the property which often discourage
prospective purchasers going ahead. However, the key items to look out for
are evidence of current termite damage and evidence of serious structural
movement which could cause problems later. All houses will have some
problems and it is important to work out if they are simply cosmetic or whether
they require major works.

9. Unconditional finance approval

Once you have signed the contract it is essential to provide a copy of the front
page of the contract and a rental appraisal letter to your bank or mortgage
broker. This will enable the bank to provide an “unconditional finance
approval” and prepare mortgage documents for you to sign. You will also
need to arrange building insurance and provide the bank with a certificate of
currency showing the property is insured from the settlement date.

10. Settlement

Your solicitor will attend settlement and arrange payment to allow transfer of
title into your name. The bank will provide cheques (up to the agreed limit) for
the balance owing (less the deposit paid). Various adjustments need to be
made for stamp duty, solicitor fees, council and water rates, mortgage duty
etc.

11. Property management

Engaging a property manager to find a tenant and lease your investment


property is money well spent. If the property is in Sydney, CPS Property will
locate a tenant, screen the tenancy application, prepare the lease documents,
arrange the bond, collect the rent, conduct regular inspections and coordinate
repairs. Fees for property management are tax deductible against rental
income.
12. Tax depreciation schedule

To maximise the tax deductions on the property you should engage a quantity
surveyor to prepare a tax depreciation schedule. Depreciation can be claimed
on

the building structure and the fittings and fixtures within the property. This
schedule will itemise the amounts that can be claimed each year in
accordance with relevant tax laws. CPS Property can recommend reliable
and cost effective quantity surveyors to prepare these schedules.

13. Landlord insurance

Landlord insurance provides protection from tenants leaving without paying


rent, damaging your property, public liability, legal expenses and more. This
insurance provides you with peace of mind knowing your property is
protected. Insurance premiums are tax deductible.

14. Monitor and maintain your investment

Like most things in life, investment property requires ongoing maintenance.


Tenants are unlikely to renew their lease if there is a constant string of
problems with the property. Keeping your tenants happy is a great way to
ensure a constant stream of rental income.
Once you have held the property for around 12 months you should consider
getting a new bank valuation and if the property has grown in value and using
the additional equity to purchase another investment property. Leveraging the
equity from your investment property enables you to grow your property
portfolio at a faster rate.

While you may be tempted to sell your investment property in the first few
years, it is usually better to hold the property for the medium to long term
(provided your cash flow is sufficient). The price of property in the major
capital cities of Australia has generally doubled every 7 to 10 years. Once you
sell, there is no further opportunity for capital gain. Property investment is all
about generating equity from an appreciating asset. Sit back and enjoy
watching your assets grow.
Further information contact:
CPS Property
Suite 403, 55 Holt St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Ph: 1300 YES CPS (937 277)

Disclaimer: The above guide must not be taken as specific advice for your personal situation. CPS
Property is not a licensed financial advisor. Please seek independent advice from qualified legal and
financial professionals before taking any action.

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