To Invest or Not to Invest, That is the Question - Part 1

Part 1 of Property Investment in High Interest Rate Environments 

With the RBA cash rate cycle of 12 interest rate rises since May 2022, many property investors are hesitant to expand their portfolio and would-be investors can be forgiven for thinking now is not the time to take the plunge into their first investment property. However, there are a number of factors at play that dictate whether or not now is a good time to invest for any individual. 

Recently economic and finance gurus, Arjun Paliwal of InvestorKit and Redom Sayed of Confidence Finance, released a whitepaper that offers some sage and welcome advice that is worth having a closer look at. Titled ‘5 x Rules for Investing in High Interest Rate Environments,’ the paper does a great job of unpacking the key rules for investing in property. 

The rule both experts believe is the most important, is that the individual investor’s situation matters far more than the market. They believe that each investor must take into consideration where they are at from a financial perspective as understanding your finances and extrapolating those numbers for different rate environments will dictate your readiness to buy. 

Top of the list for Investment Principles 101 is Are you Saving Money? If so, what are you currently doing with those savings? If you are investing in cash, this will not deliver the same returns and growth of other asset classes in the long term, where other forms of investment, including property investment are well suited for those in it for the long haul. Also moving assets away from cash almost always compensates better for fluctuations in inflation. 

Demonstrating a consistent savings profile over time will give you the ability to handle the curve balls that will inevitably be thrown your way, such as increases in interest repayments and unforeseen maintenance expenses. If you are saving 25% or more of your net income, and this is still the case in the current interest and cost of living environment, Paliwal and Sayed believe you are in an excellent position to consider property investment. 

Most property investors invest with mortgage debt – the most common Loan to Value being 80%. How you will be able to service your loan in the current high-rate environment will be a great indicator of your suitability for property investment. It is easy to show serviceability during positive cash flow times where low interest rates can generate high investment yields of 5, 6 or even 7%, however if you can show loan serviceability in the current rate environment, things are looking good for your suitability to invest in property. 

If you are considering an investment property, Cramer offer a range of architecturally superb properties with outstanding amenities in fantastic locations. To learn more, contact Emma Chappell today.

Emma Chappell

Head of Sales & Marketing
Tel 02 8302 1500
emma@cramerproperty.com

Disclaimer: This information and any content provided is general in nature and should not be taken as investment advice. Cramer Property are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Always seek advice from relevant professionals such as legal, financial and accounting experts.