If I had a dollar for the number of times, I heard a Defence Force veteran say, “geez Marcus, I wish I’d started sooner!” Well, let’s just say I’d have more than a few extra dollars.

But seriously, I believe that Defence Force property investors have an unfair advance when it comes to getting ahead financially.

Read on to find out what puts them at the top of the mountain.

On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take outs:

  • Defence Force members have the key ingredients to get ahead in the property investing game.
  • With patience, character building, planning and other mindset attributes Defence Force members are well placed to take on the challenges that property investing can bring.
  • Defence Force members are often viewed more favourably by banks and lending institutions. And they have access to a range of incentives and financial supports that civilians miss out on.

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Defence Force members have 6 key ingredients (in addition to the property they own) that make them perfectly placed to get the most out of their investments.

Defence Force mind set

Planning is a major theme in Defence Force life. Every morning, departments meet to plan the day’s activities. And planning is just as important when it comes to property investing.

Defence Force training is also grounded in character building. Training can be tough and is designed to wear you down so your true character comes out. This can be a massive advantage both on the job and in life. Because let’s be honest, many storms that pop up in everyday life can seem small in comparison to things experienced on the job in Defence. Planning and strength of character creates a winning mind set!

Steady form of employment and income

One of your greatest arrows in your quiver is the secure form of employment that full time Defence Force roles bring. Banks look for this when accessing applications.

I was always astonished when I was in the Defence Force by the amount of times I applied for finance and it was approved even after having multiple loans already.

Banks absolutely love the idea of a Defence Force customer! Why? Most, if not all, banks require a steady form of income to raise funding. This puts the Defence Force member in a great position in the eyes of the lending institution.

Rental assistance

The Defence Force look after their members with generous retention strategies. One of these strategies is paying for a large portion of your biggest overhead – your rent (also known as rental assistance).

Other than tax and a PPR mortgage repayment, rent can be your largest expense. Rental assistance has a huge impact (in a positive way) on your borrowing capacity (your ability to service loans for property).

Government first home buyer incentives

The New South Wales and Victorian governments offer Defence members a ‘residence exemption’ for the first homeowners grant. This means that Defence Force members can cash in on the first home buyers grants in NSW and VIC for investment! No need to live in the property you purchase. This is a great opportunity for Defence Force members to boost their savings because many banks use the first homeowners grant as part of their deposit!

Defence Force first home buyer incentives

In addition to the government incentives, the Defence Force also offers a first homeowners grant. One of the major differences though is that the Defence Force home buyer incentives can only be used for owner occupier property purchases.

You may be searching for property purchasing information related to benefits including DHOAS, HPAS, FHOG NSW and FHOG VIC: Find out more here

Investor Tool: Find a property investment strategy tailored to your Defence lifestyle. It’s a strategy that works best for busy defence people that enjoys their jobs while they invest in long term goals. Download the first chapter of Property Investment SOP for free. 

Patience

The old “it won’t happen overnight, but it will happen” line comes to mind here. The quicker something happens the less attention to detail and the more likely something will go wrong.

If you do a quick Google search for patience there is a great explanation ‘The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious’.

If you’re on the path towards your goals you’ll at some point experience delays, problems and sufferings – sometimes even all three at once. Patience is one of the great traits I learnt in the Defence Force. It’s one of the toughest things to master and when you’re in the middle of the battle it can seem like it’s never going to end. But you know all things do come to an end, never give up and you’ll get there eventually with a little patience.

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