Timing is everything for property investment

Assess the time scale and strategy of the investments. If you are looking to invest in a property for the short term, it might be best sit on your hands and wait for the market to stabilise.

For long-term investments, to look forwards, sometimes you have to first look backwards, with the 10- to 15-year price average sometimes offering some key indicators of future growth. 

Now is the time to take a step back and do some serious research. Go to the councils of areas of interest or to the state government’s planning and infrastructure website. Look at the proposed infrastructure changes in the area.

Infrastructure plans suggest the councils are preparing for an increase in population. More population equals more demand, pushing up property prices. 

The proposed north-west rail link in Sydney is a great example. The rail link will open up suburbs in the Hills district to easier access to the CDB, leading to capital appreciation and once the rail link is open, better rental yields.

Douglas Driscoll is CEO of Starr Partners.