GIVE YOUR FIRST INVESTMENT A CLEAR PLAN.

Define the role of your first investment.

Start with your intended holding period, the contribution you want from rent and growth, and the costs you could carry if circumstances change.

Discuss the investment's fit with your wider finances and other assets with your qualified financial adviser.

I turn your confirmed goals and buying budget into criteria for the property search.

Confirm the finance and ownership structure.

Ask your broker to compare repayments, fees and loan features, including principal-and-interest loans, interest-only periods, offsets and any use of existing equity.

Interest-only repayments cover interest during the agreed period, leaving the principal outstanding; include the later repayments in your budget.

Have your legal and tax advisers confirm ownership and any proposed loan structure before you sign.

Set the property criteria and compare locations.

Set a price range and assess property type, land and building characteristics, maintenance needs and the likely tenant.

Compare similar sales and rental evidence, vacancy, employment access, transport and relevant planned supply.

I can research options Australia-wide and explain how each shortlisted property fits your brief.

Compare yield with the cash needed to hold it.

Gross yield compares annual rent with the purchase price before expenses.

A net yield calculation also deducts the stated operating costs; your cash-flow budget then includes loan repayments and timing of bills.

Use property-specific figures for rates, insurance, management, maintenance and strata, plus scenarios for vacancy and higher interest costs.

The investment basics guide below includes the formulas and a clearly labelled example.

Agree a reserve with your advisers that suits your income and commitments, rather than treating a fixed percentage of rent as a complete cost estimate.

Check the property and clarify the tax position.

Arrange building, strata and contract checks, and verify the sales and rental comparisons behind the assessment.

Ask your accountant about positive or negative gearing, any eligible depreciation and capital-works deductions, and capital gains tax on a future sale.

Have them confirm the current treatment for your purchase and keep that assessment separate from the pre-tax cash-flow budget.

Purchase, settle and review against your plan.

I support negotiation and acquisition within your instructions, alongside your lender, conveyancer and inspectors.

Before settlement, confirm insurance, property management and the funds required, then keep records of rent, costs and maintenance.

Set regular review dates with your advisers to compare the property's performance and your changing circumstances with the original plan.

General information only, not financial, tax or legal advice; my role is property research and buying support, with your qualified advisers assessing finance, ownership and personal investment decisions.