IFP Advisory are a proud partner with and qualified member of the ASPIRE Property Advisor Network – a national platform powering independent advisors. They recently published a story about the importance of regular maintenance on investment properties that we thought you might enjoy…

Realestate.com.au recently published a practical piece by Kate McIntyre on the top value-adding jobs that property owners and investors often neglect. The key message is simple: land tends to appreciate, while buildings need care to hold their value. Regular maintenance is how you bridge that gap.

Why this matters for Australian investors

Many investors focus on location, borrowing capacity and growth drivers. Those are vital, yet the day-to-day condition of the asset is what protects your rental performance and your ability to sell well when the timing suits you. Small, consistent jobs cost far less than the big fixes that follow years of deferral.

Bottom line: treat maintenance as an investment line, not a grudge expense. Modest attention today can save significant capital later and keeps tenants safe and satisfied.

Quick wins that add value and prevent bigger bills

• Roof and gutter health with annual inspections and clean-outs to prevent leaks and ceiling damage
• Smoke alarms tested and compliant to support safety and insurance requirements
• Termite and pest management in risk areas to protect structural integrity
• Air conditioner servicing before peak seasons to extend unit life and reduce breakdowns
• Paint and sealants refreshed where worn to prevent moisture ingress
• Flooring repairs or refresh for durability and presentation at routine intervals
• External drainage checked so stormwater moves away from footings

These are simple actions that compound over time. They help maintain rentability, support fair rent reviews and position your property well at sale. Kate’s article highlights how easily these jobs can slip, which is where a plan makes the difference. You can read it here on realestate.com.au.

Build maintenance into your investment plan

At ASPIRE, we encourage every client to budget for maintenance from day one. A clear schedule for the first three to five years removes surprises and supports cash flow. When we prepare a strategy, we include realistic allowances in our Property Investment Analysis and Portfolio Manager, then check exit timing and presentation through our Exit Strategy framework.

A simple approach you can adopt now

1. Map the next 12 months – list the essential services due in the year ahead, then set reminders
2. Forecast three to five years – plan for cyclical works such as repainting or flooring refresh so they are funded, not deferred
3. Track outcomes – note what you have done, invoices paid and any issues spotted. This keeps everyone accountable and helps at tax time

The investor’s maintenance checklist

• Annual roof and gutter inspection with written report
• Smoke alarm compliance certificate is current and filed
• Termite inspection schedule in place for risk zones
• Air conditioner cleaned and serviced before summer
• Paint touch-ups and external sealant checks after heavy weather
• Bathroom and kitchen silicone inspected and renewed where needed
• Door and window hardware adjusted to maintain seals and security
• Drainage observed during heavy rain and cleared where required

Confidence for the long term

Good investing is rarely about grand gestures. It is about consistent, well-planned steps that keep your property safe, comfortable and market-ready. If you would like a second set of eyes on your plan, the IFP Advisory team can help you stress-test assumptions and build a practical schedule that fits your goals.

For further insights on property investment, avoiding common pitfalls and staying informed about market conditions. reach out to John Tsoulos or Frank Pennisi at IFP Advisory on (08) 8423 6176. Your investment success depends on making informed, strategic decisions.

IFP Advisory is an Accredited ASPIRE Property Advisor Network advisor and all professionals are Qualified Property Investment Advisors (QPIA). Property investing is about purchasing a property that aligns with your goals and investment strategy. You should never be sold an investment. Know your numbers! If you invest wisely and strategically, the Australian residential property market can be a rewarding venture.

Reference: McIntyre, Kate. Top value-adding jobs that property owners and investors neglect. Published on realestate.com.au (https://www.realestate.com.au/news/top-valueadding-jobs-property-owners-and-investors-neglect/ )