Australians who are ready financially and keen to delve into today’s opportunistic property market may find some solid hard work sees them snap up a bargain.

Those who research the market thoroughly, have a long-term strategy and are informed about their finance options will see themselves in a better position for property investment.

HelpMeChoose.com.au offers these hints and tips for those considering investing:

Aim long-term: The market moves in cycles; it has highs, lows and steady patches. Always ensure you are comfortable with the possible pros and cons of an investment asset and think hard about how it matches your goals. You need to budget for interest rate rises and property agent fees as well as the usual ownership costs and lost rent if you struggle to find or keep a tenant.

Research the gains: Read property-related and investment articles and blogs. Talk to people in the know, eg. experienced investors and property research companies, about areas you are contemplating buying in. Compare suburbs’ rental yields, resident demographics, tenant demand, existing and planned infrastructure, past price growth and predictions and everything in between.

Invest with equity: Tapping into another property’s equity can be a strong launching platform. Say your home is valued at $700,000 and the mortgage is $350,000, you may be able to invest up to 95% of your equity ($332,500) to purchase a property, depending on factors such as your lender’s approval criteria and your ability to afford repayments. Lenders Mortgage Insurance may also be a cost consideration.

Choose a well suited loan: There is most probably a range of property loan products to weigh up against your financial situation and investment portfolio strategy. Interest only or principal and interest loan? Fixed or variable rate or perhaps a split? Which features are needed? Cash deposit and/or equity? A comparison website such as ours and a professional mortgage broker can help you explore a range of home loans and guide you through narrowing it down to one suited to your requirements then onto applying for the loan, seeing it settle and beyond.

Meet an expert: Buyers’ agents know the market and can be a valuable resource to use for advice or for negotiating with sellers and their agents. You may also need to discuss your move with an accountant or financial planner. Make sure your financial situation is improved by the investment.

All the best with it!