Australia Insights | Opteon

Venture Into Valuation: 5 Risk Factors To Consider Before Purchasing Property

Written by Rachel Dorian | Sep 1, 2015 4:00:00 AM

It would be handy to have a crystal ball to consult before purchasing a property. Often decisions can be clouded by emotions, timing and lack of understanding. It's important to take a step back and understand the risk factors that affect property value now and in the future.

Property value - what are the risk factors to consider before purchase?

We'd all love to believe that property goes up in value. But the reality is; past growth doesn't always equate to future growth.

Here are 5 important factors to consider when making a risk averse property purchase decision:

  1. MARKET RISKS
    • Interest rate rises
    • Economic slowdown
    • Increase in development of comparable property within close proximity leading to supply increases
    • The likelihood of a fall in demand for comparable properties
  2. OCCUPANCY/CASH FLOW RISKS (if investment property purchase)
    • Existing tenant/s vacates
    • Reduction in achievable rents
  3. LAND/TITLE RISKS
    • Onerous Easements/Encroachments
    • Restrictive Easements/Covenants
    • Development Restrictions (Local authority planning/building approval)
    • Contained within floodway's etc.
    • Zoning Issues
  4. LOCATION RISKS
    • Factors which negatively impact on the desirability of a locality (eg. close proximity to railway lines, airports/flight paths, industrial properties, correctional facilities, high voltage transmission lines, mobile phone tower & excessive noise)
    • Environmental hazards
    • Onerous heritage affectation or preservation orders
    • Landslip or mines subsidence
    • Main road acquisition
  5. IMPROVEMENTS RISKS
    • Hidden faults/ Building defects
    • Unapproved extensions
    • Higher than anticipated cost of repairs
    • Deterioration in condition of improvements
    • Pest infestation
    • Restrictions on access to the property

There are a wide range of factors that can have a negative impact on a property's market value, including both insurable and uninsurable risks. This is just a small sample of considerations, please contact us if you would like to learn more about our property valuation and advisory services.