Frequently Asked Questions

Australian property has historically delivered strong long-term returns through a combination of capital growth and rental income. While past performance is no guarantee of future results, the fundamental drivers — population growth, housing supply constraints, and sustained demand — remain firmly in place across key markets. As with any investment, outcomes depend on the quality of the asset, the location, and the strategy behind the purchase. We always recommend seeking independent financial advice tailored to your circumstances.

Buying off-the-plan means purchasing a property before it has been built, based on architectural plans, artist's impressions, and a contract of sale. Investors typically pay a deposit at exchange and the balance at settlement, which may be one to three years later. Off-the-plan purchases can offer advantages including stamp duty savings (in some states), depreciation benefits on a brand-new asset, and the ability to secure today's price in a rising market.

The amount required depends on the property, the location, and your financial structure. As a general guide, you'll need enough for a deposit (typically 10% of the purchase price), stamp duty (which varies by state), and associated costs such as legal fees. With tools like deposit bonds, it's possible to secure a property without immediately parting with the cash deposit. We assess your individual situation during our initial consultation and provide clear guidance on what's required.

Property88 is a property investment concierge. We help investors identify, evaluate, and secure premium investment properties across Australia's strongest markets. Our service includes personalised consultation, market research, project due diligence, deposit bond facilitation, and ongoing support through to settlement. Think of us as your dedicated guide through the entire investment process.

No. Property88 is not a traditional real estate agency. We are a property investment concierge firm that works with investors to find and secure the right development opportunities. We partner with ERA Mermaid Beach and work closely with developers, but our primary obligation is to our clients — not to any vendor or developer.

Every project in our portfolio undergoes rigorous assessment. We evaluate the developer's track record, the build quality and specifications, the location fundamentals (transport, amenities, employment, demographics), projected rental yields, and capital growth potential. If a project doesn't meet our criteria, it doesn't make it into our portfolio — regardless of the commercial terms on offer.

Property88's consultation service is provided at no direct cost to the investor. We are typically remunerated through the developer or project partner when a transaction proceeds. This structure is fully disclosed during our consultation process. We are transparent about how we operate because we believe trust is built on honesty.

A deposit bond is a guarantee issued by an authorised financial institution that serves as a substitute for a cash deposit when purchasing property. It assures the vendor that you are committed to completing the purchase at settlement. You do not borrow money, and the bond does not appear on your credit file. At settlement, you pay the full purchase price, including the deposit component.

Deposit bond premiums are calculated based on the deposit amount and the term of the bond (the time between exchange and settlement). Premiums typically range from around 1.2% to 1.5% of the deposit amount per year. For example, on a $50,000 deposit with a two-year term, you might pay approximately $1,200 to $1,500 in total. We provide an exact quote during the consultation process.