With so many types of real estate investment opportunities emerging in the market, it’s easy to get bogged down by the sheer level of variety on offer. Many investors are naturally drawn to fixer-uppers or off-plan developments in the hope of maximising returns, but fixed-price turnkey builds offer a more reliable and hassle-free path to long-term investment success.
Here, we offer a basic guide to fixed-price turnkey builds and explain the advantages they offer over alternative investment types on the market.
What Is a Turnkey Investment Property and How Do They Work In Australia?
A turnkey investment property is a newly built home that’s move-in ready from day one. As it’s usually purchased from a developer, there are no renovations, no unexpected extras, and no waiting for construction to finish.
In the Australian property market, especially in flourishing regions like Perth’s outer suburbs, turnkey homes are typically sold with everything included in the price: flooring, fencing, landscaping, window treatments, and even letterboxes.
The “turnkey” term refers to the fact that the buyer can simply turn the key and start renting the property out (or living in it) immediately after settlement. For investors, this removes much of the uncertainty and complexity associated with more hands-on investment strategies.
Most fixed-price turnkey contracts are arranged directly through a builder or developer, with the entire build cost confirmed before construction begins, with no chance of it changing. This gives investors full visibility of costs and timelines, reducing the risk of budget blowouts or delays that often come with renovating or building from scratch.
What Are the Advantages of a Turnkey Investment Property?
A Simpler Way to Build Your Portfolio
Turnkey properties are ideal for investors who want to get into the market without needing to manage all the moving parts themselves. With a complete, tenant-ready home and the right professional property management in place from the get-go, you can start earning rental income almost immediately. There’s no need for tradies and renovation timelines.
This makes turnkey investing especially appealing for full-time professionals or those buying interstate. The process is more hands-off, but the asset remains entirely yours.
Modest Returns with Long-Term Potential
Your expected return on investment with a turnkey property may not blow your mind right away. In many cases, investors are seeing $150–$300 in monthly cash flow after expenses. But the real power of turnkey lies in the compounding benefits: tenant-paid mortgage reductions, slow and steady capital growth, and rising rental yields over time.
What may look like a small monthly gain today could become a significant stream of passive income in 10–15 years, especially as you add more properties to your portfolio.
Newer Builds, Lower Maintenance
When it comes to real estate investment, one of the biggest pitfalls can be excessive maintenance costs. A key advantage of turnkey homes is the quality of the asset itself.
With a newly built or recently renovated property in strong-growth areas, you’re more likely to attract better tenants and have fewer repair issues and reduced capital expenditure in the early years.
Fewer maintenance surprises also mean more predictable cash flow, which is imperative for long-term planning.
Tax and Depreciation Benefits Built In
An often-overlooked advantage of turnkey investing is the potential to maximise tax deductions as early as when the property is registered in your name. Because the property is brand new or recently built, investors can typically claim full depreciation on both the structure and its fittings.
It’s wise to work with a qualified quantity surveyor, so you can unlock significant annual deductions, thus improving your overall return and easing your taxable income. It’s a smart way to boost long-term gains with minimal extra effort.
Why Working with the Right Builder Matters
When it comes to turnkey investing, the builder behind the property can make or break your investment experience. A poor-quality build can lead to tenant issues, early maintenance costs, and long-term headaches that eat into your returns.
On the other hand, a solid, experienced builder who understands investor needs can deliver a home that performs well from the start in terms of both rental yield and resale value.
While finishes and fixtures matter, building durability, compliance, and value into the property from the ground up are the true hallmarks of a smart property investment. Choosing the right builder is your first step toward a low-stress, high-performing asset.
Related: Expert Advice for Home Buyers on Choosing the Right Builder
It’s evident that fixed-price turnkey builds offer more than convenience, with the added benefits of clarity, certainty, and a clear pathway to building a sustainable property portfolio. At Better Way 2 Build, we specialise in matching investors with the right builder, in the right suburb, at the right price. Let’s talk property. Contact us, and one of our experienced building brokers will be in touch to help you take the next step towards a better investment.
