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TL;DR Buying your first investment property at Fletcher’s Slip involves 6 key steps:
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Thinking about buying your first investment property in Adelaide? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not short on opinions. The real challenge is cutting through the noise and finding clear, practical advice that actually helps you take the first step.
That’s where this guide comes in, tailored specifically for first-time investors considering Fletcher’s Slip, a masterplanned harbourside community between Port Adelaide and Semaphore.
Whether you’re currently renting, already own your home, or are just starting to explore investing, Fletcher’s Slip offers a rare combination of lifestyle appeal, strong rental demand and low-maintenance living, all key ingredients for a solid first investment.
In the step-by-step guide below, we’ll walk you through each major milestone, from setting your goals and sorting your finance to settlement and post-purchase management, so you’ll know exactly what to do and when. With the right plan, you can move from browsing to buying with confidence.
Let’s get started.
"Understand your ‘why’, then make a plan."
Every investment decision should start with a clear goal. When it comes to property, most investors fall into one of three camps - steady rental income, long-term capital growth, or a balance of both.
Fletcher’s Slip can support all three. The area attracts professional tenants, couples and families drawn to the coastal lifestyle, proximity to transport, and low-maintenance living. Add in brand-new townhomes with modern design and you have a product that’s appealing to both renters and future buyers.
Next, sketch out your budget. Alongside the deposit, plan for all the other purchase costs that may apply. At minimum, allow for:
Finally, it’s important to stress-test your numbers against all the ‘what ifs’.
Ask: What if interest rates rise by 2%? What if the property sits vacant for a few weeks?
MoneySmart’s “what to consider” checklist is also a helpful cross-reference when you’re weighing up the costs involved in property investing.
If, after this, you’re certain you can cover the basics, it’s time to start saving for the deposit.
If you’re building a deposit from scratch, keep things simple: set up automatic transfers, cancel any services you won’t miss – think Netflix, YouTube Premium or news subscriptions - and transfer any ‘bonus cash’ (tax returns, bonuses etc.) straight to savings.
Give yourself a clear target and a timeframe so you can stay motivated and keep up momentum.
Of course, if you already own your own home and have built up some equity, you might be able to skip the saving slog and jump straight to pre-approval.
“Get your money sorted before you start searching.”
This means getting a loan pre-approval in place so you know what you can realistically spend on an investment property.
The benefits are threefold: it will help keep you:
Part of the pre-approval process involves knowing what sort of loans are available, as property investing comes with its own set of financial considerations.
Refer back to your initial budget and use this phase to work out a realistic repayment amount, and build in a buffer should things get tight.
A quick chat with your bank, mortgage broker or financial adviser will help you understand what loan types are available (ie. interest-only vs principal & interest vs investment loans), how much you can borrow, how to manage any equity involved and what’s sensible for your situation.
“Or better yet, choose one that’s already ticking the boxes.”
Instead of sifting through dozens of suburbs, why not start with one that already ticks all the boxes? Fletcher’s Slip stands out because it offers:
Now think like a tenant:
For many renters, Fletcher’s Slip is an easy yes, which is exactly why it’s a popular choice for first-time investors.
“Found ‘the one’? Here’s how to lock it in.”
Once you’ve found a Fletcher’s Slip townhouse that fits your budget, aligns with your investment goals, and offers the lifestyle appeal tenants are looking for, the next step is securing it.
Because Fletcher’s Slip townhouses are sold off-the-plan at a fixed price, the process is often more straightforward than buying an established home. There’s no auction pressure or back-and-forth negotiations, once availability is confirmed, it’s simply a matter of reviewing the documents, aligning your finance, and moving forward with confidence.
Here’s how it typically works at Fletcher’s Slip:
Once cooling-off ends, your contract becomes unconditional, and you’re officially on your way to owning an investment property.
“The countdown begins – from unconditional to keys in hand!”
As settlement approaches, most of the work happens behind the scenes. During this stage you’ll:
On settlement day your bank or lender transfers the funds, the title moves into your name and you collect the keys. Just like that, you officially own an investment property in a highly sought-after harbourside community.
Once the excitement of the sale has settled down, you’ll want to turn your focus to the next phase – managing your new investment.
“Set yourself up for long-term success.”
When it comes to the ongoing day-to-day management of your new investment property, you have a few choices.
But the path you choose depends entirely on how hands-on or hands-off you wish to be as a landlord.
Some investors choose to self-manage - handling leasing, maintenance, inspections and compliance themselves. This can work if you have the time, organisation and appetite for problem-solving. It can also save you management fees over time.
However, there’s a catch. Managing a rental property comes with a whole new set of legal responsibilities that, if mismanaged or misunderstood, can turn into much bigger headaches down the track.
Others investors prefer to engage a professional property manager. A good property manager earns their keep by reducing vacancies, screening tenants using professional databases, staying on top of maintenance, recommending good landlord insurance policies and keeping all your paperwork both up-to-date and legally compliant.
And because they deal with rental properties day-in, day-out, they have their finger on the pulse when it comes to advising on, and setting, realistic rental rates. Plus, as a bonus, their management fees are usually tax deductable.
There isn’t a single right answer. The right choice depends on your time, experience and long-term investment plans.
Buying your first investment property doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, especially when you choose a location that already supports growth, demand and liveability.
With its waterside setting, modern townhomes, strong tenant appeal and low-maintenance design, Fletcher’s Slip offers a compelling entry point for first-time investors looking to build a solid foundation.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Fletcher’s Slip Sales Centre at the corner of Semaphore Road and Jenkins Street, New Port, or head to FletchersSlip.com.au to view current investment opportunities.