The Ideal Investment Property: What Features Should You Be Looking for the First Time Around?

When purchasing a piece of real estate, it is important to ensure that the features of the home meet your criteria and best serve your goals.

An ideal investment property has many important features that will differ from the vital features of an owner-occupied piece of property, and therefore it's important when choosing an investment property to know what you should be looking for.

Here's what you need to know if you're investing in a rental property for the very first time.

Consider The Furnishings To Capitalize On Your Condo

When looking to purchase a condominium, it's important to first ensure that the building allows for rentals, and that rental terms are flexible.

Second, one should do research about the building and the community's rental market to ensure that the rent will cover the mortgage, or at least the majority of it.

Generally, two plus bedroom condominiums are easier to rent out than one-bedroom units, and will render a higher rental profit - though one-bedroom suites in high-traffic areas and close to universities can be highly profitable. 

Furnishing your condominium and marketing it as fully furnished can render a much higher rental income for renters who are willing to pay a premium, though this may mean shorter rental terms and perhaps a little more work on the part of the owner.

Centrally located condominiums with nearby amenities and access to public transit tend to net higher rental rates, as well as condominiums that offer parking.

Detached House: Maximize Rental Income Under One Roof

When looking to purchase a detached home for your investment, you can significantly increase the rental income by choosing a property that offers multiple dwellings to rent out.

You can achieve this by purchasing a home with a sufficient basement suite that will allow two rental incomes under one roof. Other options include purchasing a duplex or triplex property, and some single-family dwellings have lane homes or coach houses that can be rented out separately.

Long-Term Gain: Location, Location, Location

Location, though perhaps not everything, is certainly a major factor when looking for a long-term financial gain from your real estate investment. Purchasing in areas that have a history of rising property values is a good way to maximize your returns, and up-and-coming neighborhoods with planned future developments can be a promising sign of a growing, profitable location.

Already-established areas with high property values, though they may not offer an initial "steal" on the property itself, tend to continue growing and may offer a safer bet for future gain. Spend time in the neighborhood you are considering for a future investment, and place heavy consideration on the possible growth of the area before you purchase your investment property.

Choosing the type of property as well as the area it's located in are important factors in making a wise real estate investment, both for the short term and the long term. The final component to consider is timing, which can significantly affect the overall profitability of your investment purchase.

The best thing you can do to help your decision of when to buy is to speak to your real estate advisor. Ask your real estate agent for a market report today, and get shopping for your ideal investment property!