Flipping houses certainly isn’t a new concept, with shows such as “The Block” making it appear like an easy, glamorous way to make money fast.
While the process itself can sound simple, the journey can be fraught with danger.
Most renovators assume success in house flipping is dependent on being smart with your renovations along with the initial purchase price of the property.
Many people watch these TV shows and assume it is a lucrative and easy way to make a quick buck. The reality is that it can be very easy to overcapitalise on your project and harm yourself financially. – Johnson Real Estate Group’s Managing Director, Andrew Trim.
What this doesn’t take into account is how the market changes. Many of the successful stories you see in the media about flipping houses for huge profit stem from cities that have experienced a hot market, such as Melbourne or Sydney.
In most of these examples you’ll find the flipper purchased prior to 2015 and sold at the peak of these markets this year.
While the improvements would have added to the appeal of the properties, the market’s rapid rise is the likely explanation why such flippers were able reap such a generous profit, While flipping houses can prove to be a profitable venture in some cases, Mr Trim warns it should not be used as a ‘get-rich-quick scheme’.
BELOW MARKET VALUE
Hopeful house flippers are often advised to buy under market value, renovate main areas such as bathrooms and kitchens along with minor cosmetic updates throughout the house, before selling as soon renovations are complete.
Purchase properties for about 20% below market value. This may sound ambitious, but some vendors are prepared to take less to achieve a fast, fuss-free sale.
Huge home makeovers rarely generate enough value in line with the amount spent on the improvements. While renovations can improve value, in a static market it is unlikely to recuperate the costs within a short amount of time.
The safest way to maximise profit from a renovation is to hold onto the property for a period of time. The longer a property is kept, the greater chance of profit.
GOOD ADVICE STARTS HERE
If you are considering a house flip, pop past our office in Geelong and chat with one of our friendly agents will be more than happy to offer some sounds advise how you can ensure your investment and flipping plans will work in your favour.