Before you invest

Investing with DHA is just like any other investment: you need to do your research and gain an impartial view of the investment and whether it fits your financial goals and investment criteria.

If you’re thinking about entering the ballot for a DHA property, we recommend you follow these simple steps to ensure that you end up with an investment property that suits your needs.

1. Research the property – All DHA ballot properties appear as a listing on our website with detailed pictures, floorplans, inclusions and general property information. The listing also includes key financial information and estimated outgoings, to help you understand the price versus return on investment.
   
   
2. Research the location – Check whether the location matches your investment criteria. Is it close to schools, shops and other amenities? Is the CBD or transport nearby, and have you checked out the surrounding properties, as well as the suburb’s demographic profile and appeal? Google Street View and Google Maps can help you gain a better understanding before you enter the ballot.
   
   
3. Understand the associated costs – It's important to understand any costs that might be on top of the purchase price. There will be stamp duty (which varies in each state), insurance, legal fees, possibly land tax, as well as strata/body corporate fees in the case of an apartment or townhouse. Understanding the total cost will provide insight into whether you can afford the property. We’ve included some helpful links and calculators in the ‘Find out what you can afford’ section below.
   
   
4. Discuss the investment with third parties – Discuss your interest in a DHA investment property with family, your financial advisor and anyone else who might have a vested interest in the purchase. You’ll also need to speak to your broker or your financial institution about financing, before you enter the ballot.

For more information about what you need to do before you invest, continue reading this section or speak to your sales consultant today.

Almost anyone can buy a DHA investment property or lease their property to us. You don’t have to be a Defence member. Most of our investors don't have a connection to Defence.

If you are a Defence member, keep in mind your entitlements may be affected if you post to the same location as your investment property.

Invest through an entity
You can invest with us through a:

• company
• trust
• self managed super fund

Many of our properties are purchased by entities such as these. They benefit from our long lease terms, reliable rental income, and property care agreements.

Overseas investors
You can invest with us if you live overseas.
You must:

• have an Australian bank account
• be eligible to invest in Australia

The Foreign Investment Review Board provides information on who can invest in Australia. You should also seek advice from a financial expert.

These calculators are provided by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). They're designed to help people make smart choices about their personal finances.

Mortgage calculator
Find out how much you can borrow, what your repayments will be, and how to repay your loan faster. 

Budget planner
A guide to help you plan and manage your money.

Income tax
Determine your take home pay amount after tax.

For all of our properties, we say what "gross yield" you can expect. Gross yield is how much profit an asset will produce each year before taxes and expenses are deducted. The profit is relative to how much you pay for the property.

You can work it out this way: Weekly rental income x 52 weeks / property price x 100.

Where possible, we also say what expenses you can expect for each property.

When you buy a property, you may need to pay stamp duty. Different states and territories have different rules and rates for stamp duty.

Visit Stamp Duty at business.gov.au for a link to information from each state and territory.