How to invest in residential property without buying a house

 

In the prevailing environment of historically low interest rates, and despite the pandemic, Australian property continues be a popular option for investors seeking either growth or income — or both. 

With the aid of continued low rates, government incentives, economic stimulus and a shortage of rental accommodation, it’s no wonder that Australian residential property continued with another bumper year in 2021 and has followed the trend early in 2022. 

However, direct property investment can be intricate and very involved. Nearing retirement, choosing a property and organising its ongoing management, navigating tax implications and covering out-of-pocket expenses may not suit everyone’s financial goals or investment strategy. 

If seeking to earn property-based income without direct property ownership, an unlisted property trust or similar style of product might be a suitable option. 

What types are out there? 

Unlisted property trusts aim to provide a low-maintenance property investment alternative which generates regular income, without the responsibilities that come with direct property ownership. 

Other property funds are operated via a special purpose vehicle (SPV), with investors sharing in potential profits from either raw development, capital improvements, planning application or linear property growth. 

What are the potential benefits of investing in these types of opportunities? 

Property trusts or similar may be included as part of a diversified portfolio for many reasons. Depending on an individual portfolio, financial goals and risk tolerance, benefits of these investments may include: 

1. Regular income & opportunity for capital growth 

Unlisted property trusts aim to provide you with a regular and competitive distribution income during the life of the trust – so investors can focus on the things that matter most. However, distributions are not guaranteed, nor is the return of initial capital invested. 

2. Professional management 

Unlisted property trusts and SPVs are usually professionally managed by a fund manager, so investors can earn regular returns on property without the requirement to take on debt or management of a property asset themselves. 

The fund managers leverage their expertise in investment and property to source and acquire properties that meet their investment and risk management criteria. 

3. Access to property and critical diversification 

By pooling money with other investors in a property trust or SPV, investors may gain access to benefits that may not have been achievable as a single investor. 

Investors can gain access to properties without the significant upfront capital that would have been required to purchase the property or properties directly. The greater pool of capital may also enable a trust to acquire several properties within its portfolio, providing investors with a critical level of diversification unable to be achieved when investing directly. 

 

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING TO INVEST IN AN UNLISTED PROPERTY TRUST OR INDIRECT PROPERTY INVESTMENT: 

Management 

The decisions made by the fund manager will directly impact how investor capital is used to generate returns – so it’s important to choose an investment that is managed by a strong fund manager. Traits of a strong fund manager may include: 

Experience: The fund manager should have developed an in-depth understanding of how the market and property investments work, so they’re well placed to make calculated investment decisions in your best interest. 

Discipline: The ability to adhere to their investment mandate, criteria, and representations to investors. 

Proactive risk management: The ability to identify risks and proactively manage their impact on returns. 

Property type 

The class of property or properties held or developed, such as residential, commercial, office or industrial, plays a large role in its overall stability and performance. 

Different property classes are exposed to different demand, market and economic trends, risk, lease terms, liquidity and investment goals, and all have their own risks and benefits. 

Tenants

A property trust’s cash flow is heavily dependent on rental incomes. Therefore, the credit quality of the tenants and the duration of the leases is critical to the trust’s ongoing performance and value. 

Liquidity 

Unlisted property trusts and SPVs are illiquid by nature. It’s important investors always take cash flow requirements into consideration when planning to invest and understand the time frames of the investment. 

Gearing 

It’s important to be aware of the level of gearing. To purchase properties, many managers raise some capital from investors with the remainder funded via debt, often secured by one or more mortgages over the properties. Higher gearing ratios can indicate that a fund has a higher degree of financial leverage and is generally more susceptible to downturns in the economy or property cycle. 

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The information provided on this website is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.