A property that you choose to live in, or invest in, should possess the following criteria.
Make sure you focus on locations that have a strong track record of substantial growth, at least 4 to 5 percent above inflation.
In most cases these will be the inner suburbs of major capital cities, where changing lifestyles and upgraded infrastructure have engendered strong purchaser demand.
It's important that you choose architecturally consistent street scapes with a pleasant, treed outlook.
Try to steer clear of streets with a mixture of architectural styles, e.g. red brick 1970's flats or ultra modern townhouses in amongst period style houses.
Another good tip is to make sure that your choice in property styles is both scarce in number and architecturally timeless.
Property is like any other commodity, the less there is of it, the higher the demand, and therefore the value.
Property that is architecturally classic in it's design tends to hold it's appeal longer than styles that were ultra trendy, or way out in design when they were built.
Australians love affair with their cars seems unlikely to abate, and parking seems to be a necessity.
Off street parking, especially in inner suburban areas is a very wise choice also when choosing your investment property.