Step 1 – understand DHA's property requirements and locations
Properties leased to DHA must meet specific requirements and be located where we currently need dwellings. Before beginning your search, we recommend understanding our property and location requirements to help narrow your search to the types of properties DHA is most likely to lease.
You can also view our current priority locations to see where we are actively seeking properties.
Using these guides, we recommend creating a shortlist of the types of properties and locations which suit your budget, investment goals and are likely to meet DHA's requirements.
Step 2 – speak to our Leasing Experts
Once you understand DHA's requirements and have a basic shortlist, call us on 133 342 to speak to our Leasing Team.
Our staff will connect you with the most appropriate Leasing Manager based on where you'd like to purchase. The Leasing Manager will help refine your shortlists and be your point of contact moving forward. They will be able to quickly assess any properties you are interested in buying so there are no delays to your purchasing process.
Before your call, we recommend writing down:
- your budget
- your preferred location(s), including any suburbs or areas you are interested in
- your preferred property type, including features you'd like included
- your purchasing timelines
- any specific goals you may have for the purchase, for example, purchasing for your children or as a place to move when you retire.
Let our Leasing Expert know if you're unsure or are happy to explore any location or type of property. They can help narrow down locations and types of properties that are likely to be in your budget.
Step 3 – identify suitable properties
Using your search criteria, shortlist properties you are interested in purchasing. If you live in the same city, we recommend visiting open homes to help narrow your list further.
Once you have a shortlist, call DHA on 133 342 or email your Leasing Manager. They can help to narrow down your shortlist to ensure that only properties DHA would accept are included.
Step 4 – submit properties for assessment
Once you have a property you would like to purchase, submit the property for assessment online via our application form or by directly contacting your Leasing Manager.
To assess the property, we recommend including:
- a floor plan
- recent photos of the property (these can be from the property listing).
You will also be required to include:
- the weekly rent you would like to receive for the property
- your preferred lease term. Generally, these are 6, 9, or 12 years plus possible extensions1.
Step 5 – inspection, valuation, and lease term
If it meets our needs, a member of our Leasing Team will organise with you to inspect the property. You may need to work with the listing agent and DHA to arrange this inspection.
The inspection will allow DHA to provide a rental valuation and ensure the property meets our requirements.
Step 6 – formal letter of offer
Your formal letter of offer will provide certainty that if you complete the property purchase, DHA will lease it from you for a specified weekly rent and lease term.
You are under no obligation to complete the purchase or lease the property to DHA if you do purchase the property.
Step 7 – purchase property and accept letter of offer
During this time, you should follow the usual due diligence process of buying any property, including obtaining independent legal and financial advice to ensure the property matches your investment needs.
Once you have purchased the property, accept your letter of offer to commence the process of leasing your new property to DHA.