IS PROPERTY A GOOD CHOICE?

UNCERTAINTY around superannuation in the lead up to the July federal election has people taking a flight to property investment as they look to escape the clutches of self-managed and institutionalised super funds.

Choice Home Loans Varsity Lakes managing director Peter Gwynne says people were looking for certainty in an uncertain environment.

"While self-managed super funds have been all the rage in the last five years, we're now seeing a flight to property by individuals and trusts," Gwynne says.

"Buying investment properties that can be negatively (or positively) geared outside of the superannuation is increasingly seen as a very good wealth creation alternative and gives people more control over their financial destiny.

"The reality is that at present, the supply and demand equation for property on the Gold Coast is very good.

"In the southern states, there has only been minimal capital growth in recent years but here, there is certainly an upside in investing with the prospect of good capital growth in the future.

"The rental market on the Gold Coast is extremely healthy with vacancy rates under 2 per cent, meaning there is no shortage of rental income for investment properties."

Gwynne says Australians had become more savvy with choosing investment strategies with secure financial results.

"People don't like the possibility of governments dipping their fingers into superannuation funds so now they're looking for more certain investment strategies," he says.

"Property is an investment vehicle that gives us greater confidence in the future - history has shown that over time property values increase more than shares, inflation or even wages growth."

Gwynne established Choice Home Loans Varsity Lakes in 2006 and leads a team of qualified professionals specialising in mortgage services and home loan solutions.