Follow these tips below from my friends at HTAG who are the property data experts.

Property Location

• Flood and Bushfire Risk
1. Check council or state government websites to ensure the property is not located in a flood / bushfire zone.
2. Alternatively, consider asking online communities for information about flood or bushfire risk in the area.
• Proximity to Schools
1. Ensure the property is within a reasonable commute distance to the nearest school. This can be a prime real estate demand indicator.
2. Research school ratings in the area, as highly sought schools can increase the appeal of the suburb.
• Public Housing
1. It is generally recommended to avoid neighborhoods with a high concentration of public housing. Up to 10% may be acceptable, but ideally there should be no public housing in the immediate vicinity.
• Property Type and Surroundings:
1. Prefer properties that are surrounded by residential areas. Avoid locations on the outskirts with a high risk of new development due to land releases.
2. Avoid properties close to industrial zones.
3. Assess airline traffic around the property. If there is an airport nearby, ensure the property is not situated directly on the flight path.

Financial Considerations

• Net Yield
1. Calculate the Net Yield for the property by considering expenses such as council & water rates, agent fees, anticipated maintenance, anticipated vacancy rates, interest repayments, etc.
2. If you’re aiming for a positively geared property, the resulting Net Yield should be above 0%.
• Building Inspection
1. Order a building inspection report, sometimes referred to as a ‘standard property report’.
• Legal Considerations
1. Ask your solicitor to review the sales contract. Pay attention to underground easements, water drain pipes, etc., on the title schematics as well as mandatory state/council emergency access conditions, i.e., maintenance manholes.

Property Features

• General Considerations
1. Avoid properties with poor light levels, those near rubbish bins or car parks, and those without a balcony or courtyard.
2. North-east facing properties are generally considered more desirable.

Additional Tips

• Stay Informed
1. Familiarize yourself with the local area by keeping up to date on the latest market trends and property prices. Examine the market fundamentals, as well as the balance between supply and demand.
• Crime Statistics
1. Review the crime statistics for the area. Check for any reports of domestic break-ins or any other types of crime that might make the property a less attractive investment.
• Infrastructure Development
1. Check for any proposed infrastructure development or new roads which could have a positive or negative effect on the value of the property. This includes researching the local council’s plans for the area.
• Rental History
1. Analyse the property’s past rental history and compare the rental returns of similar properties in the area. If there is an existing tenant, check their rental payment track record.

For the most up to date property data trends, I highly recommend using the platform HTAG in Australia as an incredible source of information to give you the best chance of picking the right growth location. I personally use the HTAG platform for every customer's property location strategy