Trading, flicking, renos, The Block. It feels like we’re inundated with tales of quick riches made through doing up property. What we don’t see so much, though, are the investors who lose money, or who invest in renovations that don’t pay adequately for the risk.

We don’t generally recommend trades or ‘flicks’. We prefer buying to hold. Most of our clients buy properties that are already fit for purpose, or that need very little work.

Having said that, there is the odd property that comes up that is a potential gem but needs a renovation to make it work for the client and for their tenants. Here is our advice:

Do your research

Find out what the area price ceiling is. Work out what you want to do to the house (e.g. new bathroom? New cladding? Convert a dining room to a bedroom?) Ask a valuer or a real estate agent what the house would be worth after the renovation. Talk to potential tenants. Would the renovation be worth extra rent? How much? Would it make the house more tenantable?

Do your sums

Do a renovation budget. Factor in contingency. Also factor in holding costs – how long will you be paying mortgage without receiving rent? Make sure the renovated property will repay your money and repay you for the time and effort. You are putting your hard-earned capital at risk, so make sure there will be a pay-off – either in increased rent, increased potential sale price, or both.

Our goal is to empower you to become a better, more finance-focused and well-rounded entrepreneur. Contact us at [email protected] or 1300 328 855

If your sums don’t add up – drop it

Just because it looks like a great project, doesn’t mean it’s a great investment. Don’t get emotionally involved – other investments are waiting for you! There are many fantastic opportunities available right now. 2015 is presenting us with the lowest interest rates in recent history, a nationwide under-supply of property and strong economic fundamentals.

Talk to us about options for growing your personal portfolio.

You can click here to speak to a business, accounting and bookkeeping firm. We also offer hospitality business consultation and mortgage services. We will give you a call to know more about your needs. We will explain to you how we can improve your business.

Ballarat Accountants

Phone: 1300 328 855

Office Address: 902 Howitt Street, Wendouree, Victoria 3355, Australia

Postal Address: PO Box 2234, Bakery Hill, Victoria 3354

Gisborne Accountants

Phone: 03 97444522

Sunbury Office Address: Suite 13, 33-35 Macedon Street, Sunbury, Victoria 3429, Australia

Gisborne Office Address: 45 Hamilton Street, Gisborne, Victoria 3437, Australia

Postal Address: PO Box 270 Gisborne Victoria 3437