Where will you put your hard-earned money to make it work harder for you?

Should you invest in property or shares in Australia?

Investor reviewing charts and returns when comparing property vs shares in Australia to decide where to invest money for long-term wealth Investor reviewing charts and returns when comparing property vs shares in Australia to decide where to invest money for long-term wealth
In the case study to illustrate the power of compounding, we assumed that the rate of return is 10%. Some of you have wondered that the return assumption is not a realistic one. However, when you look at the historical returns, both Property (10.7%) and Shares (10.9%) have on average, resulted in similar long-term gains in excess of 10% per annum (refer to the chart below).
Chart comparing long-term asset class returns in Australia, including residential property, shares, bonds and cash for wealth building Chart comparing long-term asset class returns in Australia, including residential property, shares, bonds and cash for wealth building

Equities (Shares)

1. Simple to invest
Investing in stocks is simple. You can easily research, select and invest in a wide range of stocks that align with your objectives. We recommend leveraging the experts though.
2. Lower capital and cost requirements
You need a much smaller initial investment amount to get into the equities market.
3. Holding is liquid
You can sell the shares you want, when you want, without having to wait for long periods.
4. Easy access
To buy shares in any listed company you simply need an online account and can trade for as little as $15 per trade.
5. The ability to diversify
The stock market offers you the ability to diversify across sectors such as mining, health and even property through a real estate investment trust (REIT) with ease.
Quote image about investing in businesses you understand, reinforcing disciplined decision-making when comparing property, shares and ETFs Quote image about investing in businesses you understand, reinforcing disciplined decision-making when comparing property, shares and ETFs

Direct Property (Real Estate)

1. It is a reasonably simple asset class
It is a quite straightforward asset class to understand as it is very tangible. Many people who are attracted to this asset class will not necessarily be sophisticated investors. Our property investment for beginners guide covers the foundational checklist in detail: five things to have in place before any property search begins.
2. Serves diversification 
It serves diversification as an asset class, as most Australians already have exposure to the share market via their superannuation funds.
3. Offers an opportunity to add value
You can choose to add value by undertaking cosmetic or structural improvements and manufacturing growth.
4. Hard to manipulate
It is more difficult for others to orchestrate the property market than it is to manoeuvre the share market.
5. More sensible to leverage
With a typical Loan to Value Ratio of 80%, all you need is a 20% deposit (and other expenses) to own 100% of the property. True that one can leverage share portfolio as well using instruments like CFDs. However, in a down market, margin calls on leveraged share portfolios are not uncommon. Thus, leverage with housing is a lot higher and less risky than with shares.

Which Is Right for Your Investment Goals?

In conclusion, there's no right or wrong investment class. Each investment brings with it unique risks, along with advantages and disadvantages. A diversified investment plan should have exposure to both asset classes. Also, it poses the question, which you can personally appreciate? Our Start Here page are designed for exactly this moment, when you're capable of acting but uncertain about where to begin

Generally speaking, the Australian housing sector is currently in a growth cycle. Locating the right property in a good neighbourhood with the right price point will give you a strong foundation for growth and success. Yes, the market is surging, but not all the deals are the same. Therefore, one should be conducting due diligence. There are no shortcuts, except that you can choose to outsource the research and hire the experts.

Our strategic property advisory service is specifically designed for this moment, helping first-time or returning investors develop a clear blueprint before committing capital.

Should you be unsure of what investment strategy is good the best option for you, the Get RARE Properties team is here to help. We are an independent buyers' agent here to guide you through the complexities of purchasing properties. With us in your team, you can ensure that you will get the right personalised strategy, the right property at the right place.

As experienced property investors and negotiators, we look at the property as a business transaction and do not let emotions creep in. We will help you choose the best deal at the right negotiated price and save you from undue stress making the process very pleasing and rewarding. As a buyer's agent and experienced property investor, we understand the difficulties of looking for feasible properties. We will work closely with you to streamline this complicated process, making it as rewarding and stress-free as possible for you. The perfect property could be waiting just for you, but you would never know about it unless it was presented to you.
Rasti Vaibhav

About the author

Rasti Vaibhav is the founder of Get RARE Properties, an independent buyer's agency for property investors. He is a CFA Charterholder and spent more than nine years managing institutional portfolios at Westpac and AMP Capital before founding the firm in 2020. He sits on the REINSW Buyers' Agent Chapter Committee and is the author of The Property Wealth Blueprint.

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Next steps: Should you want to learn how the author built his $5m balanced portfolio in 7 years and aspire to own something similar, feel free to get in touch via email at [email protected] or book an appointment here.

Disclaimer: This article is general in nature and does not take into account your situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where applicable, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.

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