Conversations with Andrew

Andrew Johnson

Country Living - Mountains, Rivers, Lakes, Sea & Nature

Taking the time to ask yourself what parts of Australia you like, love, enjoy or wish to explore and then going there is a great way to determine where in our wonderful Country, you may invest in the future.

“Australians took 8.4 million overnight trips in March 2021. They stayed 28.9 million nights and spent $6.0 billion.”

– Tourism Research Australia

We all work hard and it is important to escape our urban environment at times and recharge or consider the way we live to improve our happiness & health. Circumstances change as we well know and if your single, have a partner, or family its important to consider investing in country towns, ski resorts, seaside villages and enjoy the lifestyle available.

So, beyond a brief weekend away, visiting friends or family taking overnight trips are great research tools to see which type of country and properties resonates with you for an investment. Information is wonderful but reading about a place is not the same as walking down the street of a country town or hiking along a mountain trail. It is so rewarding to enjoy that visceral feeling of enjoying nature, soaking in the country atmosphere and character of the locals and Australian bush.

Considering tourism locations such as Falls Creek, Mount Beauty, Omeo, Dinner Plains, Hotham, Bright or similar places in other States is great as these are not just seasonal locations anymore but have all year appeal. When considering a location, look at all the activities for the whole year, the High Country in Victoria for example, has skiing, hiking, mountain bike riding and a strong tourism focus, so an investment could be income producing when you’re not using it.

Never be rushed into the property investment decision, take a step back and consider the reasons and information you have is anything missing, why the urgency is it valid? Try taking as much emotion out of the investment decision is important as you may not be successful this time, but there will always be another property, just keep looking.

Working from home, advances in technology and the exodus of some from the major cities has driven regional housing markets upwards. Continuing to research the market in your whole state, or other states and putting together your plan to invest in Regional Australia is preparation you should never regret and can save you in the long run.

Opportunities may not last in the market but being prepared and ready to move when they do occur is important so you can position yourself to make a timely offer.

Here’s four tips to help you develop your regional property portfolio.

1. Developing a written brief of your own that covers the important aspects of the investment property you are looking for will save you time and effort when dealing with those professionals you engage to assist in providing a solution.

2. Practising foresight is a wonderful way to gather all the data and make sense of it as it relates to your own view of the future when considering investment property.

3. Due diligence is worth doing well and as professionally as possible as the information, answers, restrictions, planning and potential of the property are essential for good decision making. Utilise all the available government departments and professional services to make sure you can do what you plan when considering the investment property.

4. Taking that extra time to consult professionals and carry out due diligence may seem tiresome but is sure to end in a success, which may mean you do or do not buy the investment property.

5. No matter your current plans it is worth considering the exit strategy for your investment property in the near and long term, as part of your investment strategy.

Overall, country living is wonderful and to invest in regional areas of Australia is a great opportunity to discover the hidden gems waiting for you to discover and own.

Andrew is a licensed estate agent based in Victoria who has enjoyed a long business career in Australia and overseas providing solutions and building a referral business.

Andrew Johnson is a licensed estate agent, businessman & entrepreneur based in Brown Hill who has enjoyed a long and varied business career in Australia and overseas providing solutions and building a strong referral business.

Mobile 0473 207 988 Email andrew@maxjre.com LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/andrew-johnson-8435092 Company Maxwell Johnson Real Estate Pty Ltd Address 9 Gracefield Road, Brown Hill, VIC 3350 www.maxjre.com