When it comes to property investment, many Australians tend to stick with what’s familiar—houses on large blocks in their local area. However, focusing solely on one property type or location can expose your portfolio to unnecessary risk. To maximise your long-term success, diversifying your portfolio is essential.
At The Property Mentors, we’ve seen first-hand how diversifying across different property types—houses, townhouses, apartments, and even commercial properties—can help investors mitigate risk while capitalising on growth opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this in a very real way. For example, Melbourne’s Southbank, an area largely made up of apartments (98%), saw vacancy rates spike to nearly 20% as international students and migrants left during lockdowns. In contrast, nearby South Melbourne, with a more varied mix of housing types, experienced far lower vacancy rates, maxing out at just 9%, and neighbouring Port Melbourne fared even better at 6%.
This shows that having a diversified portfolio helps spread risk. If one segment of the market underperforms—such as apartments in high-density areas—your other properties, like houses or townhouses in different locations, may continue to perform well. Apartments located in inner-city areas are often highly desirable due to proximity to amenities, public transport, and lifestyle options, and they can deliver higher yields than houses further from the CBD. By diversifying, you position yourself to benefit from varying market conditions.
Location Matters, Too
Another common mistake is to invest only in properties close to home. While this might feel more comfortable, it’s a risky strategy. If your investments are all in the same suburb and the local market slumps, your entire portfolio could be affected.
Take, for example, the current post-pandemic recovery of Australia’s capital cities. Sydney and Melbourne were some of the first to begin their recovery, but price growth has been slower than in cities like Perth and Brisbane, which are experiencing their fastest growth on record. These fluctuations prove that no one city will always lead the pack. Having investments across different markets can help weather downturns in one area while another surges ahead. This strategy helps balance your portfolio, ensuring it doesn’t hit extreme highs or devastating lows all at once.
The Property Mentors Can Help
Finding quality investment properties in unfamiliar areas can be challenging. Local buyer’s agents often focus solely on their immediate area, limiting your options. At The Property Mentors, we work with developers across Australia and stay updated on markets nationwide, from bustling capital cities to emerging regional hotspots. Our wide-ranging knowledge allows us to help you build a diverse portfolio that will stand the test of time.
Diversifying your portfolio means expanding beyond your comfort zone, but with the right guidance and support, it’s a strategy that can greatly improve your chances of long-term financial success. At The Property Mentors, we’re here to help you cut through the emotional ties of sticking with local investments or single property types and embrace a broader approach to wealth building.
Now is the perfect time to review your investment strategy and ensure your portfolio is set up for success. Book a call with one of our experienced mentors today to discuss how you can diversify your portfolio and create a strong foundation for long-term wealth.
