Rentvesting – how to get your foot on the property ladder without sacrificing your current lifestyle
As property prices continue to rise, purchasing in a centrally-located or sought-after area is out of reach for the average working millennial. Instead, many are opting to rent rather than buy as it means not having to compromise their inner city or beachside lifestyle. But for those who are still eager to enter the market, there is a way to get the best of both worlds.
‘Rentvesting’ is the term coined for when you purchase a property for investment purposes in an affordable location and continue to live and rent in the area of your choice. An example of how the market is evolving, it is a wealth creation strategy that is popular among the younger generation due to the flexibility it offers in comparison to being an owner-occupier.
“Many millennials aren’t interested in purchasing a property in the outer suburbs and then having to commute into the CBD,” says Chris McCulloch, the Director of CapEquity Finance. “Rentvesting allows your rental income to cover the mortgage expenses, so you can keep living the lifestyle you want without it costing you any money.”
For this strategy to work, you’ve got to be a good saver (or have a good deposit) and there needs to be a focus on delayed gratification. "Its definitely a long game in terms of wealth creation. Or perhaps as a medium term strategy its an opportunity to get your foot on the property ladder, while getting a tenant to pay your mortgage. After a few years the property might have grown in value enough to be able to leverage this equity into purchasing a property in which you do want to live" advises Chris.
A recent survey highlighted an increase in ‘rentvesting’ from 21 per cent of investors to 37 per cent over the past twelve months alone. But while this strategy may appear ideal to many, it’s not suited to everybody.
“It’s still a foreign way of thinking,” says Chris. “In the past, the great Australian dream was to buy a home on a quarter acre block and then do everything you can to pay that down as fast as possible in the hope of living debt-free. ‘Rentvesting’ is quite the opposite. It says we’re okay with good debt as long as we stick to our budget and keep using the money to invest further. You’ve got to have an open mind and be comfortable with debt.”
To ensure you have the means to make ‘rentvesting’ work for you, contact us for advice on good debt and other strategies that will allow you to maintain your current lifestyle.
info@capequity.com.au
(08) 8224 0044
