Buying an investment property can be a smart way to build wealth and create long-term financial stability — but it’s important to understand that the costs go beyond just your loan repayments.

At Gardian Finance, we help clients every day who are excited about stepping into the investment market, but aren’t always aware of the ongoing expenses that come with owning a rental property.

Here’s a breakdown of the key costs to plan for so you can invest with confidence.

If you plan to rent out your property, you’ll likely engage a property manager to handle tenant communication, maintenance, inspections, and rent collection.

Management fees usually range between 7–10% of your weekly rent, depending on the agency and services included. While it’s an extra cost, a good property manager can save you time, stress, and even money in the long run.

Every property needs upkeep — from fixing leaky taps to replacing air conditioners or repainting between tenancies.

It’s wise to set aside around 1–2% of your property’s value per year for maintenance costs. For example, if your property is worth $600,000, that’s roughly $6,000–$12,000 annually.

Regular maintenance helps preserve your property’s value and keeps tenants happy, which means fewer vacancies.

Landlord insurance is essential — it covers risks like tenant damage, loss of rent, and public liability.

Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per year, depending on the property type, location, and coverage. Remember, insurance isn’t an optional extra — it’s a key part of protecting your investment.

Council and water rates vary by location, but they can easily add up to $2,000–$4,000 a year. In some cases, you may also need to cover body corporate fees if the property is part of a complex or strata.

Always check the property’s rate notices before you buy, so you can accurately estimate these ongoing costs.

Even in a strong rental market like Mackay’s, there may be periods when your property is vacant between tenants.

It’s a good idea to keep a buffer of 1–2 months’ rent per year to cover your mortgage repayments and other costs during those times.

A quality property manager and well-priced property can help minimise vacancy periods.

Investment properties can come with various tax benefits, but also extra paperwork. Working with a property-savvy accountant can help you claim deductions for expenses like depreciation, interest, and maintenance — while ensuring you stay compliant.

Plan to budget $300–$800 per year for accounting fees.

Lastly, don’t forget the biggest ongoing cost — your mortgage repayments.

Interest rates, loan structure, and lender fees can all impact your cash flow. A mortgage broker can help you find a competitive investment loan that suits your strategy — whether you’re looking for interest-only repayments, offset accounts, or fixed-rate certainty.

That’s where Gardian Finance comes in.

Our team can help you:
✅ Understand your borrowing capacity and investment goals
✅ Compare lenders and investment loan options
✅ Structure your loan to maximise tax and cash flow benefits
✅ Plan ahead for ongoing ownership costs

Owning an investment property can be one of the most rewarding financial decisions you make — as long as you go in with a clear picture of the true costs involved.

If you’re ready to start or grow your investment portfolio, let’s talk.

📱 (07) 4953 2799
💻 www.gardian.com.au
📍 73 Wood St, Mackay