Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM

Cate hosts today's listener question episode and Matthew writes in with his question; "I'm currently seeking to purchase an investment property in Melbourne, with a max budget of $1.2 million (as advised by my mortgage broker). I'd appreciate your opinion on what you consider to be the optimal investment-grade asset."

The Trio each chat about the price points that they see investors circling when selecting an investment property budget. Unsurprisingly, Cate and Dave's client budgets are broadly aligned, but Mike's Quantity Surveying clients have budgets that are closer to the median price that the ATO has reported. Why are Cate and Dave's clients spending (on average) more than a typical investor? Personal plans, including stepping stone investments, holiday houses and future homes come into discussion. It's some of these quirks to traditional investment models that differ from median prices.

Can investors have it all? Growth, easy cashflow and future opportunities? Perhaps not, but Mike takes our listeners through the steps that investors go through when determining their strategy.

Cate talks about the rewards that a capital growth asset can provide, particularly through a higher rate of rental growth, but she reiterates that this benefit is dependent on time.

Matthew’s two options he’s come up with are as follows: Option 1: A single fronted two-bedroom cottage in the inner northern suburbs, such as Coburg, Preston, Pascoe Vale etc.  
 
Option 2: A three to four-bedroom freestanding home in the Bayside suburbs of Cheltenham, Chelsea etc. 

Cate describes the challenges that Matthew's brief will face, and she details some of the examples that Matthew has suggested. Finding renovated products is more costly in this climate due to builder shortages and materials cost increases. Aside from the price, Cate also points out that negative cashflow needs to be well-understood by an investor who is circling a house in the Melbourne market, (and several other markets also).

"'Sanity checking' these cashflows is an essential first step", says Dave. Aligning the purchase with the retirement goals is the next step, and only then can investors start boiling down to specific locations and dwelling types. This approach will hold an investor in good stead, regardless of the city that they are targeting.

Matthew has a desire not to buy into a strata asset. What are some of the reasons why investors like to avoid strata? And are all strata properties inferior assets when contrasted to houses? Tune in to find out..

The Trio each share their best tips for Matthew to get his next purchase started in the most optimal way.

Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/02/10/investor-listener-question-february-2025/