Beyond Location: How Design Drives Rental Returns and Tenant Appeal
When it comes to investing in property, the mantra “location, location, location” is often treated as gospel. And while it’s true that choosing the right suburb or region plays a vital role in long-term capital growth, many investors overlook another critical factor: design.
When it comes to thinking about your investment property, think beyond just location — because choosing the right design on the right block, on the right street, with the right layout is the key to maximising your rental yield and return on investment.
The layout, positioning and build quality of your investment property can mean the difference between positive cash flow and a property that struggles to pay for itself — especially in today’s environment of high interest rates and cost of living pressures.
Design Drives Results
At Haverton, we understand that great design doesn’t just look good — it works hard for you. From ensuring your home fits the block perfectly, to optimising the layout for tenant appeal and rental yield, our designs are created with both investors and tenants in mind.
We actively collaborate with real estate partners and local property managers to refine our homes based on real tenant feedback. That’s how we continue to evolve our range of single dwellings, dual living and duplex homes — ensuring they lease quickly, stay occupied and deliver maximum returns.
Smal Tweaks, Big Impact
Sometimes, even the smallest design decisions — like changing windows shapes and sizes, enlarging a bedroom, or adding an additional alfresco space — can dramatically increase rental demand and long-term tenant satisfaction. And when your property is tenanted faster and stays tenanted longer, that means less downtime, fewer interest payments and stronger overall performance.
Turnkey Investment Properties Built for Performance
Our homes aren’t just beautiful to look at. They’re built to perform — financially and practically. We use high-quality materials with extended warranties to minimise maintenance costs and ongoing risk. Plus, our turnkey packages include everything from landscaping and fencing to blinds, driveways and even a free property clean before the first showing.
The Haverton Difference
With every Haverton dual living home, we include:
✅ Separate metering
✅ Private yards and entries
✅ Appealing design for tenants
✅ Full turnkey finish
✅ Move-in ready from OC
Plus:
✅ 2-Year Rent Guarantee
✅ Fixed Price Contract
✅ 8-Year Structural Guarantee
✅ 25-Year Roof, Truss & Frame Guarantee
✅ Free Cut, Trim and Blow Before Each Rental Showing
Included in every turnkey package:
- Receive Tenants’ Bond Payment Before OC
- Tenants Able to Move in Immediately After OC
- Nothing More for You to Do
- Driveway, Landscaping, Fences, Garden, Clothes Lines, Numbered Letterboxes
- Separate Entrances, Separate Parking, Backyards
- Wall Hung Vanities, Soft Close Doors and Drawers, Stone Bench Tops
- Includes Build Permit, Approvals, Council Contributions
- Strong Bank Valuations, High Capital Growth
Popular Dual Living Designs
One of our most popular options for investors is our dual living designs — which effectively provide two rental incomes from a single property. This model can significantly improve cash flow while still maintaining strong appeal in the rental market.
1. Lachlan
Versatile living for investors and families.
Features a 4-bedroom home with a granny flat, separate garage, wide porch, spacious alfresco, and optional walk-in pantry. Designed to fit on lots as narrow as 15 meters
2. Oxley
Flexibility and function.
Main dwelling with 4 beds, 2 baths, large alfresco + separate granny flat with L-shaped kitchen and its own garage and alfresco. Choose this design if the lot is over 18.5 meters wide.
3. Francis
Perfect for growing families. Granny flat has its own yard and kitchen, extra storage options in the main home. Choose this design if the lot frontage is a minimum of 16 meters.
Explore Our Investment -Ready Designs
- Single Dwellings – Ideal for first-time investors or downsizers, with efficient layouts and broad market appeal.
- Dual Living Homes – Two dwellings on one property, offering dual rental income and better cash flow without the complexity of strata.
- Duplex Designs – Separate, side-by-side residences — a powerful strategy for growing your portfolio or living in one while renting the other.
At the end of the day, it’s not just where you build — it’s what you build, how it fits the block and how well it meets tenant demand. The right design in the right location, on the right block, with the right layout — that’s the formula for maximising your rental yield and long-term return on investment.
👉 Get in touch today to talk with our team about which design best fits your investment goals. We’ll help you find a solution that’s built to perform — for your tenants and your bottom line.
