When buying a home for the first time, it’s important to make the right decisions. After all, it is an important financial commitment for you. Getting it wrong can have serious consequences, such as being stuck with a house you can’t afford or don’t want.

Planning to expand your investment portfolio by purchasing a second property? Good for you! You’ve done the hard work and possibly put yourself in a great financial position. So, what’s next?

According to the Bank of International Settlements, house prices in Australia have increased by 6,556% since the 1960s. This amounts to an impressive average annual growth of 8.1%. Long story short, property investors have certainly made millions through buying and selling property, and that’s before we even take into account the earnings from rental properties.

Investing in property is a great way to diversify your investment portfolio and, when done right, will unlock the doors to a more financially secure future. When you purchase an investment property, you can improve on it through renovations so that you can sell it at a higher price or hold onto the property and rent it out, generating regular income.

Keeping your property looking up to date and attractive is important, whether you’re hoping to sell or rent it out. Potential tenants and buyers are likely to pay more for a property that looks modern and appealing. As such, putting a little money into renovation projects can prove to be a wise investment.