How Is It Affordable      

The following is an example using income within Australia and tax being paid at the minimum rate of  31.5 % (adjusted to 34.2% to account for rental income and tax liabilities) if you are an overseas investor this will of course vary depending on your status. Professional advice will be required in order to substantiate your entitlements and overall costs per annum.

Example of a recent purchase at Central Lakes, Caboolture  Queensland. Four bedrooms, double garage, ducted aircon., rendered, DeLonghi kitchen appliances - turn key with all landscaping.

Price - house/land package $368000
Deposit $74000 (cash deposit)
Includes Stamps and Legals $12 K
Owner taxable income $80000 p.a.
interest only loan through ANZ - land/building $306000 @ a rate of 8% fixed variable $306,000
Repay interest only under LOC  

Note: This is an estimate only of interest payable and will be determined by the credit worthiness of the borrower and the type of mortgage selected.

Outgoings year 1
Rental income estimate $ 18500 based on a 50 week year - added to current income of $ 80000 p.a.

Property management 
1700
Borrowing expenses 200 non cash
Council rates 1600
Depreciation 4500 non cash
Insurances (building & landlord) 750
Special building write off 4500 non cash
Interest
24400
Sub total expenses 37650
Tax loss
-19150
Assumed tax rate (34.2% Tax saved from above = $ 6549

Net cash position
Cash shortfall = Rental income $18500 less outgoings $37650 = $19150
Tax rebate $6549
Add back non cash items

$9200

Net cash outlay after tax rebate $3401 p.a. 
  $65.40 per week

Through years three to ten;

Income, say, $ 21000 added to current income
( reviewed at least annually 4.5% inc )
 
Interest @ 8 %  $24400
Other outgoings say, $ 6650
(insurances, rates, rate inc, fees, m&r $2K)
 
Shortfall say, $10050

Depreciation allowance, say, $6000
Total claim against tax , say $16050
Tax rate 34.2%
Rebate $5489
Net cash outlay after tax rebate = Shortfall minus tax rebate  
Per annum $4561
Per Week $87.73

Note: The cash benefit from the tax allowances is gained through an application to the ATO which provides for amount of the tax benefit to be  deducted from current PAYE tax payroll deductions.

It is also possible to capitalise the first few years interest payments, will will result in a positive cash situation as required.


Overseas Investor : From the example above and charts below, an Overseas Investor can get an approximate appreciation of the costs to ownership minus, tax credit and dependant on the amount of deposit - will have a substantial impact on weekly repayments.