Property Investment Advice in Sutherland Shire

James Hayes with his dog

Property investing looks simple until loans, taxes, and ownership rules complicate the picture. I help locals decide whether to buy through super, a trust, or personally, and structure their investments so properties grow wealth without straining cash flow or creating tax surprises.

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Not Sure Where to Start with Property Investment?

Owning an investment property is rarely just about rental income or capital growth. It touches your superannuation, debt, tax, and retirement goals all at once. Without a clear plan, property can create more problems than it solves. I show you how to make property a productive part of your financial strategy.

What Property Investment Advice Do I Offer?

Property decisions aren’t one-off choices. They affect cash flow, tax bills, and retirement balances for years. These are the areas I most often guide clients through:

  • SMSFs can hold property, but under strict rules. I explain borrowing limits, residential restrictions, and how an SMSF purchase impacts retirement income, so that you know exactly what’s possible before committing.

  • Whether you hold property personally or via a trust changes tax outcomes, liability, and succession planning. I model each option so you can weigh protection against cost and administrative complexity.

  • Property gearing can reduce tax or improve cash flow but carries long-term consequences. I show how each gearing strategy affects repayments, deductions, and retirement outcomes so you see the full picture.

  • Your loan structure affects cash flow, tax deductibility, and flexibility. I explain the trade-offs between loan types and show how offset or redraw accounts can work best in your situation.

  • Not all properties grow wealth the same way. I compare residential versus commercial opportunities and balance growth potential against rental yield to ensure your strategy matches your income needs.

  • Every purchase should include an exit plan. I calculate capital gains tax, selling timelines, and retirement-phase options so you know how today’s decisions affect tomorrow’s available income.

Book Your Free 15-Minute Call
Call 02 9524 6711

Why Do Clients Choose Me for Property Investment Advice?

Property choices are often driven by emotion. My role is to provide clear, number-backed guidance that balances opportunities with risks. Here’s what my clients value most:

  • Advice starts with your goals, tax position, and retirement needs, not with a real estate brochure. I map the numbers before considering property type, so strategy drives the decision.

  • I run cash-flow, tax, and growth scenarios side by side, so that you see the outcomes clearly before making a purchase. This way, you can test options without financial guesswork.

  • Property ownership lasts decades, and laws change along the way. I provide regular reviews so your loan, tax, and ownership structures stay compliant and effective over the long term.

  • I work from Caringbah with availability in the CBD and by video. Clients value my quick responses and flexible communication through calls, meetings, and even WhatsApp for urgent questions.

Book Your Free 15-Minute Call
Call 02 9524 6711

Client Experience

Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of people who’ve sat where you’re sitting now.

  • I was attracted to James's business by the online referees and comments and have since been very happy with the choice. James has been very patient and professional in rebuilding my superannuation portfolio and the results are pleasing. I very much appreciate his depth of knowledge and his personal skills.

    Geoffrey Todd

  • We have found dealing with James a worthwhile experience as he listens to what you require and that investments are reviewed and information to us is clear. We found James helped our transition into retirement an easy experience and very grateful for his expertise. 5 stars all the way !!

    Craig Pullen

  • James was incredibly helpful and prompt in his responses. Very accurate in the analysis of the real estate market and my personal, financial circumstances. In just a few hours we understood the best-case scenario, in my situation, and he guided me towards positive and reassuring final decisions to be made. He really placed my personal and financial needs first and we went from there. I really appreciated the honesty in his judgment and of course his valuable knowledge.

    Marta Lentisco

  • I have referred James to other colleagues as I find him to be very open and honest. He understands my husband's and my needs and is always on top of everything. He has great knowledge of superannuation and financial matters. James is always a pleasure to deal with, and we highly recommend his services.

    Jenelle Edwards

  • Having been referred to James by a colleague, I found his industry knowledge exceptional. His approach to my financial plan was holistic as he took consideration of what was happening in my life with a short to medium set up. James is also a great people person and very personable whilst maintaining strong professionalism. I can thoroughly recommend James Hayes without hesitation.

    Robert Stewart

  • I contacted James for advice with my superannuation policies, he put my mind at rest from the first phone conversation, I appreciated his support and advice in making a decision. No attempt was made to pin me down, allowing me time to consider my options. When a date was made to call me back, he did. He continues to stay in touch and offer guidance. I’m happy with the advice and the results I’m benefiting from.

    Allan Cavanagh

  • James has been my family’s financial advisor for the past 6 years. He has looked after our super and life insurance and provided invaluable financial advice. We have used other advisors previously; however, none have offered James’s understanding of our situation and what options might be available to us that we are not aware of. He is a pleasure to deal with, and I would highly recommend him.

    Matt Woodroffe

  • James has looked after my family and me for many years. I trust James and he has really helped us understand what we need to do to reach our financial goals. I can’t recommend anyone more than James!

    Andrew Rockliff

  • I have been working with James for almost 20 years. I've always been happy to make fun of the financial planning game, but my God we were grateful to have it in place when things went wrong. Thank you, James, for your hard work and diligence in helping with the claim and with establishing a great network of financial support and advice, which I've been leveraging for years.

    Rhys Baker

  • James exhibits the essential attributes and qualities required to be an asset on any person's path to financial freedom and security. Working with James, I have seen clients benefit from his interactions and instruction and I’m sure many more will.

    Mark Cameron

  • Very knowledgeable, tailors an approach and advice to suit each individual's needs and goals. Great communication, never "too busy", whether it's a chat over coffee or a meeting in the office, James' expertise coupled with a friendly approach is refreshing for those of us who sometimes get lost in the complexities of the industry!

    Nigel

  • I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for the work and expertise you have done and provided over the past years. I not only consider you my advisor, but we have become friends over the years and again I appreciate the help you have given me. You have gone on to extend the same help to my now adult children. May you prosper along with your clients.

    Jeremy Bressick

  • James Hayes managed my super and investment portfolio for 5+ years, and I couldn't be happier with not only the results, but the communication and overall professionalism provided. I highly recommend.

    Joe Boy

  • I've been lucky enough to have James looking after my financial affairs for many years and couldn't be happier. Genuine guy with exceptional industry knowledge.

    Pietro Di Ciaccio

  • I’ve been using James as my financial planner for just over 5 years now. He’s done an amazing job with my super and would recommend him.

    Laura Stevenson

  • Really great advice and explained to a non-financial person so well! Happy to recommend.

    Lyn Bradshaw

Need Help with Anything Else?

Superannuation

Making the most of your super, from regular contributions through to withdrawals and tax-free pensions so you feel confident at every stage of life.

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Transition to Retirement

Structuring your income streams as you ease out of work, while keeping your lifestyle and tax planning on track.

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Inheritance Advice

Helping you manage family inheritances in a tax-smart way, so wealth is preserved and distributed as smoothly as possible.

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Shares & ETFs

Building and managing portfolios of shares and ETFs, with strategies designed to balance growth potential against sensible risk.

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Pensions

Setting up reliable tax-free retirement income streams that give you security today while protecting your financial future.

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Aged Care Planning

Supporting families through the complexity of aged care decisions, from costs and entitlements to long-term sustainability.

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First Home Buying

Helping younger clients step into the property market with clear strategies on saving, borrowing, and long-term planning.

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Ethical Investing

Designing investment strategies that align with your personal values while still focusing on growth and financial outcomes.

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Wills & Estate Planning

Ensuring your assets are protected, your wishes are carried out, and your loved ones are supported into the future.

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Every plan is personal. I’m not tied to banks or big corporates, and I don’t use rinse-and-repeat templates. The strategies we build together reflect your goals, your values, and the life you want to live.

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Turn Property into a Plan, Not a Gamble.

James Hayes Headshot

Property can grow wealth quickly, but only when structured with the bigger picture in mind. I help you choose the right ownership path, tax strategy, and exit plan so property becomes a tool for building financial security, not a source of ongoing doubt.

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Property Investment FAQs

  • Property advice isn’t restricted to choosing suburbs or yields. A financial planner models cash flow, loan structure, gearing, tax impact, and superannuation interactions. They ensure property fits within your overall plan, not as a siloed bet, so the decision supports retirement goals rather than undermines them.

  • It depends on income, deposit, and long-term objectives. Property can deliver growth and tax benefits but ties up capital and carries concentration risk. A planner tests scenarios against super, shares, and debt strategies to show whether property genuinely advances wealth or creates liquidity and cash-flow problems.

  • It is typically 20% of purchase price plus costs like stamp duty and legal fees. Smaller deposits may attract lenders’ mortgage insurance. Financial planners assess whether using cash, equity, or super is most efficient by weighing leverage risks against diversification and long-term retirement goals.

  • Yes, SMSFs can purchase property under strict rules. Borrowing requires a limited recourse loan, and the property must meet arm’s-length requirements. Personal use is banned. Planners guide on compliance, setup costs, and long-term retirement implications to ensure SMSF property strengthens rather than burdens your fund.

  • Generally, no, unless it’s business real property. SMSFs cannot acquire residential property from members or related parties. Selling non-compliant property risks heavy penalties. A financial planner clarifies what transactions are allowed and models whether retaining or selling outside super is more tax-effective for your circumstances.

  • SMSF property must be maintained on commercial terms and rented at market rates. Occasional Airbnb use may breach sole-purpose rules if personal benefit is involved. Planners explain the compliance risks and test whether alternative property or investment structures achieve flexibility without risking fund non-compliance or tax penalties.

  • No, SMSF members cannot occupy residential property owned by their fund, even after retirement. The sole-purpose test prohibits personal use. Retirement-phase pensions from SMSF property income can support lifestyle, but living in the asset itself breaches law. Planners ensure compliance while maximising retirement income.

  • Each has trade-offs. Personal ownership allows negative gearing but exposes assets. SMSF ownership offers tax advantages but strict restrictions. Trusts provide flexibility and estate planning benefits but add costs. A planner compares structures against income, CGT outcomes, and family succession to recommend the most efficient option.

  • Taxes include stamp duty, land tax, and capital gains tax (CGT) on sale. Interest and expenses may be deductible. Inside super, earnings are taxed at 15% (0% in retirement phase). A planner coordinates tax strategy to reduce leakage while keeping compliance airtight across ownership structures.

  • Concentration risk: one property often ties up hundreds of thousands into a single asset, reliant on one market and tenants. Rising rates, vacancies, or regulatory changes magnify exposure. Planners test resilience across income, debt, and retirement projections to confirm whether property risk is justified or overexposed.