Investors:
What to buy, what not to buy
When you’re investing in property, what you choose to buy makes all the difference to your long-term return. Some properties will consistently grow in value and attract good tenants. Others might look good on paper but underperform in reality.
Here’s a guide to help you spot the smart buys and dodge the bad ones.
What to look for
1. Stick to areas you know
You don’t have to buy in your own suburb, but look for a ‘drive-by’ location – somewhere you can easily visit for inspections or property management. On-the-ground familiarity will give you peace of mind and often better insights than you’ll get from internet research alone.
2. Choose areas with new or incoming infrastructure
Suburbs with projects under construction – new transport links, hospitals, shopping centres – typically outperform over time. Capital growth tends to follow investment.
3. Houses generally outperform apartments
Land is scarce and that’s what drives house price growth. If you can’t afford a house, an apartment is still a great choice with its own set of advantages. Apartments are more affordable, easier to maintain, and offer higher rental yields and depreciation benefits.
4. Match the property to your desired level of involvement
If you’re hands-on, a house offers more opportunity to add value through renovations and extensions. If you prefer to sit back, a low maintenance apartment might be the better fit.
5. Focus on quality
Buy the highest quality property possible within your budget. Prioritise a good floor plan, plentiful natural light and walking proximity to cafes, shops and transport. Choose the best street of a suburb you can afford over the worst street in a more expensive suburb.
6. Aim to buy above the median
Properties that cost 10% or 20% above a suburb’s median price come with better layouts, space, views and proximity to amenities. This translates to better resale value and more tenant appeal.
What to avoid
1. Second tier ‘bargain’ apartment blocks
If a keenly priced brand new apartment in a flashy ad looks too good to be true, it probably is. Cheap new developments are usually in inferior locations and have low quality fixtures and fittings. They won’t appeal to owner occupiers, which limits future capital growth.
2. Rental guarantees
Offers like ‘7% guaranteed return for 5 years’ can be misleading. These schemes often mask inflated sale prices. When the guarantee ends, rents can drop, and your returns will go down with it. A solid investment should easily command market value rent.
3. Serviced apartments
These function like hotel rooms, and their success relies on travel and business demand. Resale is limited to investors only, which limits capital growth.
4. Refurbished commercial buildings
Residential conversions from office blocks or warehouses can look stylish but often come with awkward floor plans and hidden structural defects. They’re riskier than purpose-built homes.
5. Company title apartments
These older-style buildings can restrict your ability to lease the property freely. Some require tenants to be approved by a committee. With so many strata title options available, there may be other options. ***
Some people say you should keep emotion out of it when making investment decisions. That may work for some asset classes, but not property. Sure, be rational when you negotiate the deal, but when you’re picking the property itself, it’s good to use a little instinct.
Ask yourself: Would I want to live here? Would I be proud to call this property my home?
That gut feeling – combined with solid research and a focus on quality – is what will steer you toward an investment that will consistently rise in value over the long term.
John McGrath CEO & FOUNDER
Bec Hammond
“We recently leased our house through McGrath and the process was seamless! I was overwhelmed by the task of getting the house ready to be rented but Bec & Amanda were friendly, professional and efficient and nothing was an issue. Tenants moved in within 4 weeks of my first contact with McGrath and they kept me up to date during the whole process. Thanks ladies!”
Born and raised in Orange, Rebecca Hammond brings a wealth of local insight to her role as a passionate business development manager. Driven to be known as one of the top agents in her field, she strives to build lasting relationships with people, providing a service that is centered around the customer experience. Rebecca takes great pride in being able to assist property owners with their rental goals. A real pleasure to work with, she’s able to consistently deliver superior results through her incredible attention to detail and unrivalled work ethic. As a part of a well-respected McGrath brand, Rebecca places great value on the immense support she receives from the industry-leading company. If you’re looking for a dedicated agent, Rebecca Hammond is someone you can trust to have your best interests at heart.
Don’t let the cold snap freeze your property goals.
If you would like to know more about the current property market or would like to discuss own your property goals, please contact one of our offices.
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Price Guide $5,500,000-$6,000,000 View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099 131 Nashdale Lane,
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500 7 Eliza
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Fitzgerald
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500 1263
SALE
Price Guide $3,350,000 - $3,550,000 View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
131 Edinboro Lane, Orange 5 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
93 March Street, Orange 5 beds 2 baths 1 car
SALE
Price Guide $1,950,000 - $2,000,000 View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
48 Byng Street, Orange 3 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Team Fitzgerald
140 Guyong Road, Blayney 4 beds 3 baths 3 cars
SALE
Price Guide $2,200,000-$2,300,000 View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Merga Street, Cudal 5 beds 1 bath
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
12 National Avenue, Orange 3 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
79 Thompson Road, Orange 4 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $2,300,000 View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
15 Watts Road, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
1 Bathurst Road, Orange 1 bath
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
1170 Mitchell Highway, Orange 7 beds 4 baths 5 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,480,000-$1,550,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
24 Clontarf Close, Orange 4 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,350,000 - $1,450,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Team Fitzgerald
11 Clontarf Close, Orange, Orange 4 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,260,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Team Fitzgerald
1174 Ophir Road, Orange
7 beds 3 baths 4 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,450,000 - $1,500,000
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500 10 Clontarf Close, Orange 4 beds 2 baths 2 cars
8 Clontarf Close, Orange 4 beds 2 baths 3 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,300,000 - $1,350,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Team Fitzgerald
45 William Maker Drive, Orange 4 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,050,000-$1,150,000.00
View Saturday 12.00pm - 12.30pm
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Team Fitzgerald
SALE
Price Guide $1,485,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Team Fitzgerald
16 Clontarf Close, Orange 4 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,200,000 - $1,300,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Team Fitzgerald
17 Catto Close, Orange 5 beds 2 baths 4 cars
SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
3 Hamer Street, Orange
beds 2 baths 1 car
SALE
Price Guide $990,000 - $1,080,000
View Saturday 11.00am - 11.30am
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
1 - 28 Clontarf Close, Orange
SALE
Price Guide On Request
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
SALE
Price Guide $950,000-$990,000
View Saturday 11.15am - 11.45am
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Team Fitzgerald
SALE
Price Guide $880,000 - $920,000 View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
Team Fitzgerald
SALE
Price Guide $1,000,000-$1,050,000 View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
Geraldton Street, Orange
beds 2 baths 6 cars
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Tori White 0422 424 601
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825 6 Old Orange Road, Manildra
SALE
Price Guide $850,000-$900,000
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500 16 Greerlyn Way, Orange 5 beds 2 baths 3 cars
SALE
Price Guide $900,000 - $950,000 View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825 13 Tinnock Place, Orange
beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $850,000-$880,000 View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Team Fitzgerald
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
147 Edward Street, Orange 3 beds 1 bath 1 car
SALE
Price Guide $700,000-$750,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
Team Fitzgerald
62B Centennial Crescent, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide $650,000 - $ 680,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
107 Autumn Street, Orange 3 beds 1 bath 1 car
SALE
Price Guide $600,000-$620,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
149 Edward Street, Orange 3 beds 1 bath 1 car
SALE
Price Guide $700,000-$750,000
View By Appointment
Agent Team Fitzgerald
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
62A Centennial Crescent,
SALE
Price Guide $630,000 - $660,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
174 Shiralee Road, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide $600,000-$650,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Team Fitzgerald
92 McLachlan Street, Orange 3 beds 1 bath 1 car
SALE
Price Guide $690,000-$710,000
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
29E Miriam Drive, Orange 3 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $620,000 - $650,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
8 Old Orange Road, Manildra 1 bed 1 bath
SALE
Price Guide $550,000-$580,000
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Orange Land
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
105 Autumn Street, Orange 3 beds 1 bath 1 car
SALE
Price Guide $540,000 View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
27 Park Street, Millthorpe 2 beds 1 bath 1 car
SALE
Price Guide $530,000-$560,000 View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
15 Mountain Vista, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide $530,000-$540,000 View By Appointment
Agent Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
SALE
Price Guide $450,000 View By Appointment
Agent Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
SALE
Price Guide $330,000 View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
SALE
Price Guide $295,000
View Saturday 10.15am - 11.00am
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
Lot 121, Whitebox Street, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide $330,000 View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
SALE
Price Guide $330,000 View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Jack Aumuller 0481 985 825
19 Camellia Place, Orange Land
Shiralee Estate, Tanika Street, Orange Land
Lot 114, Whitebox Street, Orange Land
Lot 118, Whitebox Street, Orange Land
Lot 165, Sundowner Street, Orange Land
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
15 Torulosa Way, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide $245,000 - $265,000
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
502 Banjo Paterson Way, Molong
5 beds 3 baths 3 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,350,000 - $1,450,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jodi Murray 0428 461 910
Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
10 William Street, Molong
4 beds 2 baths 3 cars
SALE
Price Guide $859,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jodi Murray 0428 461 910
5902 Mitchell Highway, Molong
6 beds 3 baths 6 cars
SALE
Price Guide $9,000,000 - $9,300,000
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
39 Thistle Street, Molong
4 beds 2 baths 4 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,200,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jodi Murray 0428 461 910
97-99 Kiewa Street, Manildra
9 beds 4 baths 4 cars
SALE
Price Guide $790,000-$830,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jodi Murray 0428 461 910
SALE
Price Guide $4,100,000-$4,200,000
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Part 474 The Escort Way, Orange Land
SALE
Price Guide $950,000-$1,045,000
View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
14-16 Thistle Street, Molong
5 beds 2 baths 3 cars
SALE
Price Guide $750,000 - $800,000
View By Appointment
Agent Josh Fitzgerald 0414 304 898
Jodi Murray 0428 461 910
6068 Mitchell Highway, Molong
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
54 Kinghorn Street, Neurea 4 beds 3 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
39 Queen Street, Molong Land
SALE
Price Guide $550,000 - $580,000 View By Appointment
Agent Lauren Jones 0439 620 500
Scott Petersen 0408 583 099
74-76 Bant Street, South Bathurst Land
SALE
Price Guide On Request View By Appointment
Agent Todd Houghton 0415 505 555
5 Riddell Street, Molong 4 beds 3 baths 8 cars
SALE
Price Guide $720,000-$760,000
View By Appointment
Agent Jodi Murray 0428 461 910
153 Triangle Flat Road, Rockley
5 beds 1 bath 9 cars
SALE
Price Guide $1,150,000
View By Appointment
Agent Todd Houghton 0415 505 555
5 Stinson Street, Llanarth
3 beds 1 bath 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $670,000-$690,000
View Saturday 10.00am - 10.30am
Agent Todd Houghton 0415 505 555
93 Gidley Street, Molong 3 beds 2 baths 3 cars
SALE
Price Guide $690,000 - $730,000 View By Appointment
Agent Jodi Murray 0428 461 910
7 Palmer Way, Kelso 4 beds 2 baths 2 cars
SALE
Price Guide $930,000.00 - $950,000.00 View By Appointment
Agent Todd Houghton 0415 505 555
Lot 572, 12 Fogharty Lane, Wattle Flat Land
SALE
Price Guide $299,000 View By Appointment
Agent Todd Houghton 0415 505 555
Orange | Molong | Bathurst
SALE
Price Guide $150,000 View By Appointment
Agent Todd Houghton 0415 505 555
SALE
Price Guide $150,000 View By Appointment
Agent Todd Houghton 0415 505 555
7-9 Robson Road, Mount David Land
3-5 Robson Road, Mount David Land
Our Property Management team
Orange, Molong & Bathurst
Bec Hammond
Orange & Molong 0401 622 447 rebeccahammond@mcgrath.com.au
Dearne Yeghoyan
Central West 0400 795 271 dearneyeghoyan@mcgrath.com.au
At McGrath Property Management in Orange, Molong and Bathurst, our dedicated team takes pride in delivering exceptional service tailored to landlords and tenants alike. From comprehensive property marketing to thorough tenant screening, proactive maintenance coordination, and transparent financial reporting, we handle every aspect of property management with professionalism and care.
For more information about how our services can benefit you, please contact our Business Development Manager Rebecca Hammond in Orange and Molong or Dearne Yeghoyan in Central West.
We’re here to help you achieve your property investment goals.
Orange 02 7903 0753
Bathurst 02 6331 5555
Molong 02 6311 1534
Guiding you home