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The Global Insight

Can your first home purchase be a rental property?

Author

James Williams

Updated on March 13, 2026

No. The First Home Owner Grant is only available for an owner occupied home — not an investment property. However, in some states like NSW, you only need to live in the property for six continuous months before you can rent it out.

Do I have to tell my mortgage company if I let my house?

A The short answer is that if you believe that it is a term of your mortgage contract that you must tell your lender if you move out and let the property (which is very likely to be the case), yes you should comply with the terms of the legal contract that you signed.

How long can you rent a house after buying it?

How soon can you rent a house after buying it? As a general rule, lenders assume all owner-occupied transactions come with the intention the homeowner will live in the home for a minimum of 12 months. But there may be qualifying reasons for converting your primary residence to a rental property before a year has elapsed.

When do you convert your primary home to a rental?

At the closing table, you sign documentation stating your intention to occupy the home as your primary residence. Your mortgage lender typically expects you to live in the home as your primary home for at least 12 months before converting it to a rental property, and they’ll have issued you a mortgage accordingly.

What are the start up costs of renting a house?

There are no exceptions Start up costs are expenses incurred while preparing the property for rent, with the express purpose being to prepare it for rent, before it is available for rent. These costs do include repair, cleaning and non-recurring maintenance cost. It does NOT include property improvements.

When did Sarah ( single ) buy her first home?

Sarah (single) purchased a home on January 1, 2008, for $600,000. She eventually sold the home for $800,000. What amount of the $200,000 gain on the sale does Sarah recognize in each of the following alternative situations?