I bought an investment property in Brisbane City… Now What?
You’ve done it! You’ve signed the papers, collected the keys, and officially stepped into the world of property ownership. Congratulations, you’re officially a Brisbane property investor.
But hold up… owning a property is just the beginning. If you want your first home or investment to grow your wealth, there are a few key moves you cannot skip.
Here’s your newbie-friendly, step-by-step guide.
1. Keep All Your Settlement Records & Documents
Sounds boring, but trust me- it’s essential.
Keep everything:
Settlement statement & contract of sale
Disclosure documents
Handover documents if previously managed - Keys log , tenant history/ledgers, & inspection reports
Body corporate info/by-laws (for units/apartments)
Any receipts for stamp duty, legal fees, or renovations
Why? You’ll need them for taxes, insurance claims, and future investments. Treat them like treasure.
2. Update Your Brisbane City Council (BCC) Rates & Urban Utilities Accounts
New owner = new bills. Don’t get caught out.
BCC Rates: Put it in your name so you don’t miss payments
Urban Utilities: Transfer the water account or set it up for your tenant
Body corporates usually need an updated form about owner details.
Pro tip for first-timers: This is a small step that prevents headaches and keeps your property running smoothly.
3. Organise Insurance
Protect your first property from day one (prior to settlement date).
Landlord Insurance – Covers tenant damage, lost rent, and liability if something goes wrong.
Home & Contents / Building Insurance – Covers fire, storms, floods, and structural damage. If you bought a unit/apartment the body corp usually covers this.
4. Find a Tenant (Or Decide to Move In Yourself!)
An empty property = no cash flow = stress.
DIY landlord? You handle ads, keep a spreadsheet of income/expenses, applications, rent, and maintenance calls.
Use a property manager? They find tenants, collect rent, arrange repairs, and keep everything legal follow RTA & legislation.
For first-timers, a property manager is basically your secret weapon—less stress, more time to focus on life (and your next investment) plus management fees are all tax deductible.
5. Benefits of Property Management (Why It’s Worth It)
Fast tenant placement and market knowledge → no empty weeks
Tenant screening → keeps your property safe
Rent collection → consistent cash flow
Repairs & maintenance → protects your property value
Routine inspections → early warning for issues
Legal compliance → avoids fines and headaches
Think of a property manager as a co-pilot for your investment journey.
With AK & BACH property management? You get:
Free up-to-date market appraisal
Free marketing for your property
24/7 availability for emergencies
Free legal team for tenant disputes
Basically, they turn your property into a passive, stress-free asset.
6. Think About Scale & Equity Early
Even as a first-timer, start thinking like an investor:
Build equity: As your property value grows, you can use that equity for your next purchase
Reinvest wisely: Rental income can fund renovations or your next property
Plan to scale: One property is a start—two or three puts you on the path to real wealth
Investor mindset tip: Treat your first property as the foundation, not the finish line.
Final Thoughts
Buying your first property is thrilling-but the real magic happens after settlement.
Do these things now:
Keep your documents safe
Update council & utilities
Insure your property
Find the right tenant or use a property manager
Think ahead to equity and scaling
Do it right, and your first property isn’t just a home—it’s your first step to building a Brisbane property portfolio.
