How do I get started with my first investment property?

Start by understanding the funding you could use and the ongoing costs you would take on. Your bank or mortgage adviser can check the lending. We help you compare new-build properties, rental estimates, ownership costs and the buying process. You don’t need a city or a shortlist picked out before talking to us.

What does the property calculator show?

It puts two things together: the estimated contribution needed to own the rental and how the loan balance and equity could change over time. Change the assumptions to see the difference. Equity means property value less the borrowing, not profit or money you can automatically access. The illustration does not confirm lending or recommend a purchase.

Can I use the equity in my home for the deposit?

Your lender may allow you to borrow against some of your equity. That usually means extra borrowing, not free deposit money. Include both the loan on the rental and any deposit loan when comparing repayments. The lender confirms the funding; we help explain the property numbers using those assumptions.

Do I need to choose a city before speaking to you?

No. Tell us why you’re considering a rental and what you’ve explored. We’ll explain the properties, rental evidence and costs in the locations worth comparing. You can consider a home outside your own city without assuming it is automatically a better investment.

Why buy a new build rather than an existing rental?

A new build can mean less renovation at the outset, fixed-price options and building protections to understand. Qualifying purchases can also offer deposit flexibility. Existing homes may offer renovation potential, and newer resales can retain warranties. Compare the individual home, costs and contract.

Do I need pre-approval before contacting you?

No. You can explore the property options while working through finance with your bank or adviser. Already pre-approved? Go straight to a property conversation; you do not need to complete the calculator first. Your lender still needs to confirm the particular purchase and its conditions.

How is The Property Factory paid?

There is no buyer-service fee from The Property Factory. We’re paid by the developer when you buy. Your legal, lending, buying and ownership costs still apply. We explain our role as the selling agency; your own advisers handle financial planning, lending, tax and legal advice.

First-time property investors

Let’s get you into
your first investment property

We’re a real estate agency specialising in new builds. We help you compare the properties, understand the numbers and work through the purchase.

See what it could cost

Talk to us

New-build property specialists

Cashflow explained

Options across developers

Why invest

Buy a rental
Build an asset for your future

See how we help

Rent helps with the costs. Loan repayments can build your equity. Together, they can help you work towards owning an income-producing asset.

01

Rent helps along the way

Rent contributes to the repayments and running costs. You cover any shortfall.

02

Repay the loan. Own more

Repayments reduce the debt over time. Property values can rise or fall too.

03

Keep it. Sell it. Pass it on

Keep it for income, sell it or pass it on. Its value and costs still matter.

Property values and rent can fall. Borrowing adds risk, and ongoing costs still need covering.

The next question is which property to buy, and what it would take to own it.

What we do

Your one-stop shop
for new builds

Compare new builds without spending every weekend at open homes or contacting developers and agents one by one.

1

Compare across developers

We compare new builds across the developers and locations we work with.

2

See the costs side by side

Prices, rental estimates and running costs, with developer information alongside.

3

Understand the property before you buy

We explain the differences and the buying steps. Viewings come once the options are worth a closer look.

Arrange a property call

Properties

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Price and inclusions

Location and layout

Developer and completion

Weekly costs

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Rent and running costs

Repayments and top-ups

Developer checks

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Developer background

Directors, experience and delivery history.

Project information

Available funding and development information.

The home and agreement

Specifications, quality and terms to review.

What remains unresolved

Missing information and matters for independent review.

Review topics, not a completed assessment or a guarantee. Check the scope for the specific development.

No buyer-service fee from The Property Factory

We’re paid by the developer when you buy. Your legal, lending, buying and ownership costs still apply.

What happens when you work with us

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From the first conversation to owning your rental

1

Understand why you’re buying

Tell us why you’re buying and what you’ve considered.

2

Compare the properties

See the options, rental estimates and costs side by side.

3

Work through the purchase

We help with the property process, alongside your lender and lawyer.

Long-Term Picture

See the longer-term picture

Change the price, loan and rent. See the equity and money you would put in over time.

Purchase price

$

Total borrowing

$

Include any borrowing for the deposit.

Cash towards the price: $130,000. Buying costs are extra.

Rent per week

$

Look ahead15 years

1 year30 years

Example, not a forecast.

5% interest · 30 years · No value growth assumed

Illustrated equity after 15 years

$297,004

Property value$650,000

Loan left$352,996

Property value minus borrowing. Not profit or available cash.

Weekly top-up

$197/ weekFirst year

Before tax. Includes principal-and-interest repayments.

Your cash contribution over 15 years

At purchase$130,000

Ongoing top-ups$153,903

Total contributed$283,903

Excludes buying, selling and loan fees, tax and inflation. Rent and costs held flat.

Change the assumptions

Annual value change (%)

%

Scenarios to explore, not forecasts. A fall changes the picture too.

Interest rate (%)

Loan term (years)

Repayments

Other costs per year ($)

Rates, insurance, upkeep and any shared fees.

Management fee (%)

Including GST, on rent received.

Empty weeks each year

Rent change per year (%)

Cost change per year (%)

One blended loan at these assumptions. No new lending or refinancing is approved by this tool.

Year-by-year breakdown

Illustration only, not a forecast.

First-year weekly costs

Year	Property value	Loan left	Equity

Equity is not profit

Equity is the property value minus all borrowing. Selling costs and tax are not deducted, and a lender decides whether any equity can be borrowed against.

Count the full commitment

Shortfalls and surpluses are added year by year, before tax. Fees, personal costs, inflation and major repairs are excluded. This is not a total-return calculation.

Use real property information next

The price and rent are examples, not listings or appraisals. Your bank, adviser, accountant and lawyer confirm lending, tax and legal matters. FMA: understanding property investment

New or existing?

New Builds vs
Existing Property

Compare the deposit, buying process and upkeep before you decide.

New Build

A Smaller Deposit May Be Possible

Qualifying new builds can offer more deposit flexibility. Your lender confirms what you need.

Fixed-Price Options

Know the asking price upfront, without auction bidding. Check the inclusions and contract.

Less Renovation To Take On

New kitchens, roofs and fittings generally mean fewer age-related jobs early on. Maintenance still needs budgeting.

New-Home Protections

Building-work protections apply. We’ll explain the warranties and any additional guarantee included with the home.

Existing Property

A weatherboard home with a front deck and carport

More Deposit May Be Needed

Particularly for investors. It depends on the property, your finances and your lender.

Different Ways To Buy

Some have an asking price. Others sell by auction, deadline or negotiation.

Room To Renovate And Add Value

Improve the home and make it your own. Allow for the work, the cost and unexpected repairs.

Check What Cover Remains

Some warranties may have expired. Newer resales may still have building protections or transferable guarantees.

Buying off-plan? Check the developer, specifications, contract and what happens if completion is delayed.

Deposit rules, warranties and other checks

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Deposit

LVR exemptions cover qualifying construction lending, including buying a newly built home from the developer within six months of completion. Banks still apply their own lending criteria. A smaller deposit means more borrowing, not a lower purchase price.

Reserve Bank: lending rules

Price and condition

New homes are not automatically fixed price, and an existing home may also have an asking price. Check the sale method, written inclusions, condition and any work needed on the specific property.

Settled: property options

Building protection

Building Act implied warranties can apply for up to ten years, with a separate 12-month defect-repair period. Private guarantees are different: check the provider, cover and transfer terms. A resale may still have protections remaining.

Building Performance: warranties and defects

Artist’s impression of a new-build development

Compare new builds with one team

See the options we offer, or talk through the differences with our team.

Help me compare properties Browse Investment Picks

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First Investment Testimonial

How Aaron Bought His First Investment

Hear about buying through The Property Factory from a customer who has done it.

Arrange a property call

Helpful Info

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s clear up a few things before you start

See actual properties
and compare the numbers

We’ll start with why you’re considering a rental, then help you compare new-build options, rental estimates and ongoing costs.

Arrange a property call Find out if I can buy

The Property Factory team helping a client

The Property Factory is a real estate agency. Your own advisers handle financial planning, lending, tax and legal advice.

Sources and example assumptions

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The calculator and property comparison use hypothetical figures, not listings, rental appraisals or lending decisions. The main educational points were reviewed against these sources.

FMA: property investment Reserve Bank: lending restrictions and exemptions Settled: considering your property options Building Performance: warranties and defects REA: agency roles Settled: ways to buy

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Let’s get you into
your first investment property