30M here, partner is 27F, we’re based in Melbourne.
Combined income is ~$252k (142k + 110k), and we’ve saved about $150k for a deposit, plus a separate emergency fund. No kids yet.
We’re currently renting ~10km from the CBD. I’ve been fully remote for 6 years, while my partner works hybrid (in the office 2–3 days/week).
Spoke to a mortgage broker who estimated we could borrow around ~$1.2M.
We’re a bit stuck deciding our next move:
- Go for an investment property (IP) now and keep renting, or
- Buy a PPOR (principal place of residence)
Personally, I’m leaning toward building our investment portfolio first. We’re flexible on location and could wait a few years before buying a PPOR — maybe closer to when kids/schooling become a factor. I tend to think pretty numbers driven.
For context, we also have ~$105k invested in ETFs.
I’m currently speaking with a financial planner as well, but keen to hear different perspectives
What would you do in this position — IP first or PPOR? And why?