Property investment resources

DHA’s property investment resources are free to access and regularly updated. If you’d like more information about leasing your property to DHA or have any additional questions, please call 133 342 or submit an online enquiry.

On-demand webinars and podcasts

Property management fee comparison webinar

Presented by Oxford Economics, this pre-recorded webinar summarises the results of the DHA Property Management Fee Comparison reports.

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DHA property investment webinar

Learn how you can invest with us and the benefits of leasing your investment property to DHA in this pre-recorded webinar.

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Smart Property Investment Show podcast

In this episode, Phil Tarrant talks to Luke Jorgensen from DHA to discuss the investing opportunity in providing housing for Defence personnel.

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Research reports

Property Management Fee Comparison reports

Learn how the inclusions and benefits provided under DHA’s service fee and Property Care Contract may provide savings over the total cost of leasing through a traditional real estate agent management agreement¹.

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Property Management Fee Comparison summary (houses)

A summary version of the Property Management Fee Comparison report for detached houses. Download immediately with no registration required.

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Property Management Fee Comparison summary (units)

A summary version of the Property Management Fee Comparison report for units, flats, and apartments. Download immediately with no registration required.

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Articles and news

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Topic

Date

25 May 2023 Comparing DHA’s service fee to property management fees
While both charge a percentage of net rent, DHA’s service fee and traditional property management fees provide significantly different benefits and services.
2 June 2022 How you can provide Defence families with a place to call home
Every investor helps Defence families have a place to live while they are serving in the forces.
22 March 2022 Three top reasons to rent your investment property to DHA
Investors looking for a solid, reliable return on their property investment should consider renting their property directly to DHA. Why? Let’s find out.
17 March 2022 Why you should consider leasing your investment property to DHA
Do you already own a property and are looking for a reliable, long-term tenant? DHA could be interested in renting your property.
8 February 2022 Why the DHA Property Care contract means peace of mind
When you invest with DHA, your investment is covered by the DHA Property Care contract. This covers a range of property services for a simple monthly fee, which is deducted from your monthly rental payment.
17 January 2022 Why it pays to do your due diligence when investing in property
If you’re planning to enter the ballot for a DHA investment property, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the deal goes smoothly.
4 January 2022 Civil construction starts at The Crossing
Our newest residential development is now under construction – The Crossing Canberra.
4 January 2022 How DHA’s property ballot system works
Our properties are typically sold via a ballot system that gives anyone interested in investing in our product an equal opportunity to do so.
20 July 2021 Ways to invest with DHA
DHA offers investor services to suit a wide range of needs and preferences. Here’s a rundown of your options.
21 August 2020 The evolution of Australian housing
We explore how the Australian home has evolved since the days of early British settlement to today, and where they might be heading next.
7 August 2020 How to invest in property when you don’t have a large deposit
With the right strategy, investment is still possible even for those with a small deposit.
28 July 2020 Why the Australian property market is a national obsession
House prices may be steeper than ever, but Australians still believe in the importance of owning a home.
10 July 2020 Investing in property? Answer these 10 questions first
By asking yourself these 10 questions, you’ll help to focus your investment strategy and deliver the results you’re looking for.
26 June 2020 These four investment calculators can help you make better decisions
Thinking of buying an investment property? These calculators can help you crunch the numbers.
1 June 2020 How to target your property search
Pinpointing the property of your dreams is easy if you harness the power of search engines. Here’s how.
15 May 2020 Five criteria to help you choose a quality investment property
Here, an expert reveals how to identify properties that will make money over the long term.
4 May 2020 Why now might be a good time to buy property
Whatever happens to property values as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, savvy investors should be preparing to find excellent long-term opportunities.
24 March 2020 Five ways using your super fund to buy property makes sense
Did you know you can use your super to invest in property?
24 February 2020 Six golden rules to help you make the right investment choice
How do you know the investment property you’re considering is the right one? Here, two experts give us their top tips.
11 February 2020 Growth signs: what 2020 holds for property investment
Historic-low interest rates and a rebound in prices are bringing buyers back to the property market. Here’s what experts think may affect investors as 2020 progresses.
19 January 2020 If I knew then what I know now...
What would experienced property investors do differently if they could start their investment journeys from scratch?
5 January 2020 Choose wisely: prospects for successful investing in south-east Queensland
How has this diverse region performed in recent months and what does the future hold? We ask local property experts for their advice.
23 December 2019 Minimise risk, maximise yield: why diversification works
Savvy investors understand the value of using different strategies and buying multiple properties across various locations.
10 December 2019 What the current economic environment means for property investors
Interest rates are at historic lows and property prices have begun to rise. Here, experts have their say on whether it’s a good time to invest.
11 June 2015 The importance of having a good tenant
When looking for an investment property that you intend to lease, your choice of the tenant for the property is almost as important as the actual choice of property.
5 June 2015 Investing in property with SMSF
A self-managed super fund (SMSF) lets you control how you choose your assets, tax strategies and retirement planning. With an SMSF, it’s all up to you – you’re in the driver’s seat.
21 January 2015 DHA acknowledges some of Australia’s most inspirational property investors
In 2014 DHA was proud to be approached to sponsor the Your Investment Property’s prestigious annual Investor of the Year Award.
27 October 2014 Short on cash? Why investing in property with a friend could be the answer
Unless you can access existing equity, or happen to be a superstar at saving, breaking into the market can seem almost impossible for the would-be property investor. But does that mean you should share the cost with a friend?
20 August 2014 Many roads to property investment riches
Navigating property investment can be a challenge for even the savvy investor. Whether you’re looking for a long-term or a short-term investment, your goals involve securing a financial future for your family or reducing your taxable income, there are many options to consider.
13 August 2014 Not all tenants are created equal
Chances are that you wouldn’t hand over your new car to an unknown driver, nor would you give your diamond engagement ring to a stranger to try on… so is it surprising so many investors are apprehensive when it comes to tenanting their property?
3 June 2014 How to find and keep good tenants
Many investors hesitate to buy a property because of the fear of not having a tenant for a period of time. Being without a tenant in your property can cause you to lose sleep. It can also impact on your holding costs and potentially stop you in your tracks from growing your portfolio. The strength of your investment property is underpinned by the strength of your income to support the property, so finding and keeping good tenants is a top priority for stress free investing.
29 May 2014 Could this be the most fail-proof research strategy?
Savvy investors know that drivers such as development work or the arrival of a major service hub (like a university, hospital or shopping centre) can add significant value to a suburb.
14 May 2014 DHA to be part of scoping study
Defence Housing Australia (DHA) has been announced in the Federal Budget as one of the government agencies to be a part of a privatisation scoping study. The results of this study will determine if and when DHA will be sold.
24 April 2014 A quick guide to home loan pre-approval
When looking for a mortgage pre-approval, it isn't easy. There are many ways to go about it, and the last thing you would want is for the loan to fall through last minute - particularly if you're looking at buying at auction.
6 April 2014 RBA rate announcement
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced the outcome of its monthly board meeting.
20 March 2014 Credit reporting changes: What you need to know
One of the biggest changes in credit reporting regime is about to hit Australia. What does it mean for you as an investor and why should you care?
4 February 2014 RBA rate announcement
The Reserve Bank of Australia has announced the outcome of its first board meeting of the year.
29 January 2014 Inflation to keep interest rate in check
The latest inflation figures point to interest rates remaining at their current all-time low for the foreseeable future, analysts claim.
23 January 2014 Alan Kohler tips strongest 2014 property price growth for Canberra, Darwin and Brisbane
RP Data noted this was the fastest annual rate of value growth since August 2010, and the largest calendar year increase in values since 2009 when home values were up by 13.7 percent.
21 January 2014 Brisbane to overtake Sydney and Melbourne
Tight supply and high demand are expected to push Brisbane’s property market ahead of Sydney and Melbourne’s markets over the next year, according to a major real estate agency.
16 January 2014 Savings tips for 2014: Get your new home faster
New home buyers, and even those who want to leapfrog into an upgrade, are regularly told they need to save more. While it's achievable, securing yourself $30,000 or more is a tricky task, particularly if you've never been a big saver in the past.
14 January 2014 Travelling retirees funded by property
Grey nomads’ Vicky and John Heathcote always knew investing in property was a sensible option. Two decades after their first purchase, they are now living their dream, Vicky tells Miriam Bell
8 January 2014 January will be 'best month of the year' to buy
January 2014 will be a buyers’ market and investors should make ‘lower than usual offers’, according to a Sydney-based buyer’s agency.
7 January 2014 Australian house prices continue to rise
The outlook for home values in 2014 is looking positive with last year’s figures showing a 9.8 per cent increase over the 12 months to December.
17 December 2013 Property forecasts for 2014
2013 was a hell of a year for property markets. Your Investment Property considers what happened to markets this year and examines what investors can expect from 2014:
16 December 2013 Australia in growth phase: REIA
The Australian property market is currently undergoing a growth phase, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA).
10 December 2013 Tell us your story
Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is calling for both investors and lessors to share their stories and be a part of the DHA testimonial family.
9 December 2013 Brisbane and Adelaide set for growth
Brisbane and Adelaide's housing markets are expected to outperform all other capital cities moving into 2014, according to the latest RP Data Quarterly Review.
11 November 2013 The 20 tips to ensure you get your loan
First time mortgage borrowers are tiring of being told that these are the cheapest interest rates they’ll ever see.
4 November 2013 House price surge led by red-hot Sydney
The housing market has posted its longest stretch of quarterly gains since the 2010 boom, with Sydney home prices leading the surge.
29 October 2013 RP Data: 74% of Aussies say now is a good time to buy
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Australians feel now is a good time to buy property, according to RP Data’s Nine Rewards Survey of housing market sentiment.
23 October 2013 DHA wins Fund of the Year
Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is celebrating the announcement that its inaugural fund has been awarded the Property Investment Research (PIR) Unlisted Fund of the Year Award.
2 September 2013 Federal elections must prioritise housing
The Housing Industry Association is urging both major political parties to address housing needs in their election platforms.
2 September 2013 Westpac’s Bill Evans sees two more rate cuts
Westpac’s Bill Evans sees two more rate cuts but all economists agree on no RBA move in September.
26 August 2013 How elections impact property values
Data suggests that Federal elections do have an impact on Australian property values.
14 August 2013 Two more rates cuts before any major residential price acceleration
It has been more than 50 years since official interest rates have been as low as they are today reports Cameron Kusher, senior research analyst at RP Data.
30 July 2013 Consumers warned about another off shore cold calling scam
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a warning about offshore scammers.
30 July 2013 Home buyer demand on the up
Mortgage enquiries for the June quarter increased in all states.
22 July 2013 Property market on the rise
Median capital city house prices have increased by 3.4% over the past year.
16 July 2013 Fixed rate demand hits new peak
Enquiries for fixed rate home loan products are said to have accounted for 40% of enquiries in June – a record high.
15 July 2013 Five ways to improve your retirement savings
Mark Bouris of financial services company Yellow Brick Road counsels Australians not to let life get in the way of retirement planning.
11 July 2013 A lower Aussie dollar is not all bad news
The relative value of our currency is not always a bellwether on how we are doing as a nation says Mark Bouris, executive chairman of the financial services company Yellow Brick Road.
10 July 2013 Australian household wealth rises to record levels
Australian household wealth per capita has grown by 22.1% over the past 12 months, cheering the property market and raising hopes for freer spending.
10 July 2013 Population growth to lift dwelling demand
New population growth figures suggest bode well for property demand.
8 July 2013 Fixed rates en vogue
Fixed rate mortgages remain popular, accounting for 30.10% of all loans in May.
8 July 2013 Refinancing on the table for one in four
A Mortgage Choice survey indicates that 24% of homeowners are considering refinancing their current home loan.
3 July 2013 Majority of homes sell for profit
Properties that recorded a gross profit in the first quarter of 2013 were held for an average of 9.7 years, while homes that recorded a gross profit of more than 100 per cent were owned for an average of 15.4 years.
30 June 2013 What happens to property markets when commodity prices lose their glow?
Falling commodity prices are not a cause for panic if you’ve researched your investment location and are managing your asset to suit market conditions, according to Simon Pressley, Managing Director of Propertyology.
25 June 2013 Tax planning arrangements – getting it right
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) cautions that even experienced investors can sometimes get caught up in tax avoidance schemes.
20 June 2013 Investors under ATO scrutiny
Tax deductions can only be claimed for the portion of the year where a property is rented, or available to rent
17 June 2013 The ins and outs of conveyancing
It’s helpful to understand the different roles that real estate agents and solicitors play in a residential real estate transaction. Pamela Bennett, chair of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, explains the importance of conveyancing.
16 June 2013 Four out of five property investors short-changed on tax
Eighty percent of property investors are said to be failing to claim depreciation.
13 June 2013 Give yourself a financial health check as tax time approaches
Tax time provides an opportunity for a financial health check. Mark Bouris, executive chairman of the financial services company Yellow Brick Road, poses some questions for readers.
12 June 2013 Confidence up, prices and rents expected to rise
RP Data’s survey of housing market sentiment for May 2013 indicates an upwards shift in buyer confidence and rental rates.
12 June 2013 Claim $4,852 in 29 days
According to Bradley Beer, Managing Director of the quantity surveying firm BMT Tax Depreciation, investors can find it worthwhile to claim tax depreciation on a property even if they have only held it for a short time.
6 June 2013 No bubble, says Residex
Residex founder John Edwards says affordability is keeping the housing industry in check because a lot of families are likely to still think they are better off renting.
5 June 2013 Most homeowners rate financial situation 'solid'
A survey by the mortgage broker Mortgage Choice has found that 65% of homeowners feel positive about their current financial situation and 77% were making additional repayments towards their mortgage.
3 June 2013 Want that home loan? Here’s how to go get it
Your Mortgage magazine offers five tips on how to get a home loan.
27 May 2013 Let's lose the jargon around superannuation
Mark Bouris of the financial services company Yellow Brick Road offers help to decipher the confusing jargon that surrounds superannuation.
23 May 2013 RBA signals more rate cuts coming
Further interest rate cuts this year remain on the Reserve Bank's agenda.
14 May 2013 Changes to the super guarantee
Changes to super will be gradually introduced from 1 July 2013 and are expected to benefit 8.4 million employees.
9 May 2013 Property confidence on the rise
Confidence among property professionals for the residential sector in the June quarter continues to trend upwards.
3 May 2013 Help your kids learn about budgeting
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has a free online game to help children understand the value of money.
2 May 2013 Adelaide bucks national property price trend
Adelaide and Darwin were the only capital cities to record gains in home prices for April and Adelaide was the second highest performing capital city for the quarter.
29 April 2013 Women are disadvantaged in our superannuation system
Many women tell Mark Bouris of Yellow Brick Road that they can’t commit to superannuation strategies when they have kids to raise, bills to pay and a mortgage to service. Women, he says, are clearly disadvantaged in our superannuation system.
26 April 2013 Investors to dominate
Australian Property Monitors’ (APM's) Rental Yield Report has been described as “a rare treat for property investors.”
24 April 2013 Property investment not just for the rich
Investing in property may cost less than you think. DHA's Tony Winterbottom notes that more than 75% of Australian property investors earn less than $80,000 a year.
23 April 2013 Home loan rates hit record lows
It pays to shop. The cost of the average home loan is on a par with rates 57 years ago.
17 April 2013 Top 5 features to consider when you refinance
You may be able to save on your mortgage. Your Mortgage magazine suggests five features to consider if you decide to refinance
17 April 2013 Housing market helping to make people wealthier again
Household wealth is rising with the recovery in housing and other asset markets.
17 April 2013 NT leads the nation
The Northern Territory has fulfilled the residential growth expectation of property pundits with more than 12% price growth in 2012.
12 April 2013 The city investors forget
Canberra’s property market thrives on stability anchored by low unemployment and above average population growth.
12 April 2013 Super risks for investors
Property investment through super is popular but DHA’s Tony Winterbottom says it's important to look closely before you leap.
11 April 2013 Words of investment wisdom
Australian Property Investor magazine shares some lessons learned by five much wiser property investors on their journey to success.
10 April 2013 Rate cuts an unexplored opportunity
There’s significant money to be saved by making extra repayments off your home loan, whatever your interest rate may be.
9 April 2013 Interest only versus principal and interest
It’s essential that you understand your loan options. Australian Property Investor offers a guide.
5 April 2013 It pays to have ‘friends’ like these
In his latest 'Property Answers' column for the Daily Telegraph, DHA's Tony Winterbottom observes that debt can be your friend, saying good debt will work day and night for you and earn more than it costs to keep.
26 March 2013 Investors enjoy ‘perfect storm’
Record low interest rates and strong rental yields have delivered a rare treat for investors.
26 March 2013 Taxpayers face ATO “data-matching” crackdown
New data-matching technology has given the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) the ability to scrutinise property dealings by around 10.4 million Australians. It has been reported that more than 649 million transactions were analysed last year.
19 March 2013 More Australian sellers making a profit from property
Almost half the Australians who sold property at the end of 2012 made profits of at least 50% on their original purchase price and almost one third of them doubled their initial investment.
8 March 2013 Queen of the castle
Australian women are beating men in the home ownership stakes.
7 March 2013 Buying beyond your home turf
In his latest ‘Money Matters’ column for the Daily Telegraph, DHA's Tony Winterbottom says that by exploring options in new territory, residential property investors open themselves to the best Australia has to offer.
5 March 2013 Buyers return to property market
Borrowing for residential property investments last year was just seven per cent below the 2007/08 market peak.
26 February 2013 Super profits on mortgages
New research shows that banks are making an annual profit of about $2640 on the average $300,000 mortgage. This represents a profit of $79,200 over the lifetime of a 30-year mortgage
18 February 2013 Thousands of Aussies to lose up to $2000
Australians have until 31 May to retrieve any lost or unclaimed superannuation funds before they are transferred to the Australian Taxation Office.
1 February 2013 How to change your lender and save
When it comes to mortgages for property owners and investors, the Aussie "she'll be right" mindset is costing millions of us big 'bickies'.
31 January 2013 New home sales rise for third straight month
Solid gains in house prices over three consecutive months foreshadow an improved property outlook for Australia’s housing sector.
29 January 2013 Love affair with property continues
Online search traffic suggests Australians young and old remain highly motivated by real estate. News Limited’s Andrew Winter wonders if more property searchers will become buyers this year.
29 January 2013 Love affair with property hasn't faded
According to research from realestate.com.au, more of us may actually be prepared to act upon our online property searches this year.
28 January 2013 The older we get the smarter we'll be
Housing an ageing community is expected to be a challenge in the year 2042.
28 January 2013 Mortgages made relatively easy
Buying real estate is becoming more of a family affair with estate agents reporting an increase in siblings co-financing mortgages.
22 January 2013 Top three investment strategies for 2013
The thing with strategies (and New Year resolutions) is that they need to be specific and achievable.
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