How to identify the most profitable target market for your property
Find out who wants to live in your area
The first step is to research who is currently living in the area and who may want to move there in future. Is the area popular with families, or does it appeal more to young professionals or retirees?
A simple way to find out is to touch base with a few real estate agents, to see what kind of customers they have looking for property in your area. Real estate agents often have waiting lists of buyers and renters, so it can be useful to get to know them and form a good working relationship with them if you want to buy or rent out property.
Investigate what kind of properties are in high demand
Next, find out which properties are moving fastest in your area. Are they apartments, two or three-bedroom homes, or new developments? Is the demand highest from high or low budget purchasers and renters?
Finding out the kind of customers moving into your area will also fuel ideas about how to make your property more appealing, so you can maximise your sale price or rental return
An easy way to find out is to browse local real estate agent websites to check prices and how long similar properties to yours stay on the market. Again, if you have a good relationship with your local real estate agents, you can simply give them a call and ask them.
Consider making some changes
Once you’ve discovered the kind of buyers or renters who want a property in your area, you can focus on making yours more appealing to them. Renovations can add value to a property in more ways than one!
If you decide to do some renovations, be sure to talk to us about finance before you start. Here are some ideas of the kind of features that may be popular with different demographics. It should be noted that these days, people prefer clean, recently renovated bathrooms and kitchens. Most of the ideas below can be improved or added cost-effectively and can make a big difference to a sale price or rental return.
| Demographic | Features they may desire |
| Families | Easy clean flooring
Good cooking facilities/dishwasher Plenty of storage/laundry space Child-friendly yard Secure outdoor facilities for pets Sizeable garage |
| Independent young people (under 35) | Trendy décor
Wi-fi and the latest gadgets Dishwasher Low-maintenance courtyard or garden Renovated bathroom/kitchen Off-street parking |
| Mature independent (over 35) | Energy-efficient features
Easy clean décor/flooring Plenty of storage spaces Pet amenities/garden Security features Off-street parking |
| Elderly couples (downsizers) | Entertaining areas for family and friends
Security features Low-maintenance property Pet amenities |
Don’t over capitialise!
When renovating, it’s important to budget carefully and spend wisely to ensure you don’t spend too much and you get the outcome you’re looking for.
For example, if you purchase a house for $400,000 and spend $100,000 doing it up, you’ll want to ensure the end value of the property is worth more than $500,000. You’ll also want to ensure the renovations make the property much easier to rent out or sell – for example, there’s no point putting in a swimming pool if renters and buyers in your area are not interested in having one.
Get a professional on your team.
If you need property market data about prices or rental returns, just ask us. We often have great information to share or can point you in the right direction to find what you need to make informed decisions.
Targeting the right market is often the key to maximising your returns and profits. And if you’d like to renovate, we can help you create a budget and explore your finance options. Please get in touch today if you’d like to find out more.
