Should You Buy Your Own Home First — or Rentvest?
Two ways to get into the property market. Here's how to choose.
Should You Buy Your Own Home First — or Rentvest?
Two ways to get into the property market. Here's how to choose.
You've decided you want to buy property. Now comes the next question:
The question:
Should I buy the home I live in first — or buy an investment property while I keep renting?
These are two different strategies. Let's break them down simply.
What is a PPR?
PPR = Principal Place of Residence
This just means: the home you live in. Your own home. Not an investment — the place where YOU sleep at night.
When people say "buy your PPR first" they simply mean: buy your own home before you start buying investment properties.
What is Rentvesting?
Rentvesting means you keep renting where you want to live — and at the same time, you buy an investment property somewhere more affordable.
Think of it this way:
You rent in the city because you love living there — but it's too expensive to buy
You buy a property in a more affordable area where the numbers make sense
A tenant pays rent on your investment property, helping cover your mortgage
You get into the market without having to live in the property you own.
Which one is better?
Neither is better — they suit different people. Here's a simple guide:
Buy your PPR if...
You want to settle down in one place
You want to use First Home Owner Grants
You want no Capital Gains Tax when you sell
You want to make it your own (renovate, decorate)
Rentvest if...
You want to live in an expensive city
You want to start investing sooner
You want tax deductions on your investment
You're okay continuing to rent where you live
A simple example
Example:
Sarah wants to live in Sydney but can't afford to buy there. Instead of buying a small apartment far from the city, Sarah keeps renting in Sydney and buys a $450,000 property in a regional area. A tenant pays rent that covers most of her mortgage. Five years later, the property has grown in value — and Sarah has equity she can use.
Important: Rentvesting has trade-offs
If you rentvest, you need to know:
You may miss out on the First Home Owner Grant
Capital Gains Tax applies when you sell an investment property
You need to be comfortable managing a tenant or paying a property manager
This is why it's really important to talk to a mortgage broker before you decide.
Not sure which is right for you?
Our recommendation:
Talk to the team at Win Square Finance. They'll look at your income, savings, and goals — and help you figure out the right move. It's free and there's no obligation.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always speak with a qualified adviser before making property decisions.
© 2026 Estate Seeker — estateseeker.com.au
You've decided you want to buy property. Now comes the next question:
The question:
Should I buy the home I live in first —
or buy an investment property while
I keep renting?
These are two different strategies.
Let's break them down simply.
What is a PPR?
PPR = Principal Place of Residence
This just means: the home you live in. Your own home. Not an investment —
the place where YOU sleep at night.
When people say "buy your PPR first" they simply mean: buy your own home before you start buying investment properties.
What is Rentvesting?
Rentvesting means you keep renting where you want to live — and at the same time, you buy an investment property somewhere more affordable.
Think of it this way:
You rent in the city because you love living there — but it's too expensive to buy
You buy a property in a more affordable area where the numbers make sense
A tenant pays rent on your investment property, helping cover your mortgage
You get into the market without having to live in the property you own.
Which one is better?
Neither is better — they suit different people. Here's a simple guide:
Buy your PPR if...
You want to settle down in one place
You want to use First Home Owner Grants
You want no Capital Gains Tax when you sell
You want to make it your own (renovate, decorate)
Rentvest if...
You want to live in an expensive city
You want to start investing sooner
You want tax deductions on your investment
You're okay continuing to rent where you live
A simple example
Example:
Sarah wants to live in Sydney but can't afford to buy there. Instead of buying a small apartment far from the city, Sarah keeps renting in Sydney and buys a $450,000 property in a regional area. A tenant pays rent that covers most of her mortgage. Five years later, the property has grown in value — and Sarah has equity she can use.
Important: Rentvesting has trade-offs
If you rentvest, you need to know:
You may miss out on the First Home Owner Grant
Capital Gains Tax applies when you sell an investment property
You need to be comfortable managing a tenant or paying a property manager
This is why it's really important to talk to a mortgage broker before you decide.
Not sure which is right for you?
Our recommendation:
Talk to the team at Win Square Finance. They'll look at your income, savings, and goals — and help you figure out the right move. It's free and there's no obligation.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always speak with a qualified adviser before making property decisions.
© 2026 Estate Seeker — estateseeker.com.au
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Always consult with a professional before making any investment decisions.