There are many questions that arise when it comes to investing in residential property, and the biggie is how long do I hold this asset.

The answer is not a simple one, with experts advising that there are various factors of each individual that need to be taken into consideration.

However, for those looking to invest, there are some guidelines on where to start your search.

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Can you invest in residential property for just five years?

You can, but don’t expect to walk away with much more than you put in.

Seven years is the minimum hold time recommended by Mina O’Neil, Director of Rethink Residential.

“The minimum hold time would be seven years to avoid significant losses from transaction costs and market volatility,” she advises.

She said that stamp duty, legal fees and selling costs typically represent 8-10 per cent of the purchase price.

“You need sufficient time to build equity and ride out potential downturns.

“Shorter holds are only viable in rapidly appreciating markets or with significant value-add strategies.”

What type of property and price should I buy at?

Established properties in high-demand suburbs with strong rental yields (5-6 per cent plus) are the area of focus in this time frame.

“Prioritise locations with infrastructure investment, transport links and employment hubs and avoid developments with high supply or areas dependent on single industries,” Ms O’Neil says.

Target: 2-3 bedroom houses or townhouses in growth corridors, $600-800k range

Should I hold the property for 10 years before selling?

“This is the ideal timeframe for most investors as it captures full property cycles and significant capital growth,” she says.

“In this time frame you can consider a broader range including houses in emerging suburbs.”

Target: Houses in growth areas or premium townhouses in the middle ring suburbs of capital cities in the $600,000 to $1million range.

Where can investing in property for 20 years get me?

“This is the optimal timeframe for wealth building with multiple cycles and substantial capital appreciation,” Ms O’Neil says.

When property is held for 20 years you can afford to buy in transformation areas or emerging locations, she says.

This time frame also allows for renovation and development opportunities and multiple refinancing cycles according to Ms O’Neil.

Target: Quality houses in growth corridors.

How long should rentvestors buy in for?

A hold period of 10 to 15 years minimum is needed to maximise compound growth during peak earning years of younger rentvestors advises Ms O’Neil.

This time period can “weather market volatility and benefit from long-term appreciation”.

“Focus on growth over yield initially as capital gains compound significantly over decades,” Ms O’Neil says.

She also says rentvestors can use a growth in equity in their properties to then build a portfolio while maintaining lifestyle flexibility through renting.

And for those looking at a pre-retirement investor strategy?

Look for a hold period of five years to 10 years is the advice here, remembering it is important to prioritise cash flow positive properties that can supplement retirement income.

“Focus on properties that require minimal maintenance and management complexity.

“And ensure the exit strategy aligns with your retirement timeline and income needs.”

Target: Established areas with stable rental demand rather than high-growth, high-risk locations.