DHA Investment Properties in Perth
DHA tells investors to get independent advice before they buy. That's what we do. We help you decide whether a DHA lease suits your goals, then source a compliant new build in the right location.
DHA tells you to get independent advice. That's what we do.
DHA's own investor material makes it clear that it doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it recommends you get independent advice. That gap is exactly where we work.
As qualified property investment advisers, we look at your whole position first: borrowing capacity, cash flow, tax and how a DHA property sits alongside other strategies. Sometimes a DHA lease is the right fit. Sometimes a dual key home, co-living or a standard house and land package will do more for you. Either way, you'll know why before you commit.
How a DHA lease works
Defence Housing Australia leases homes from private investors to house Defence members and their families. You own the property, and DHA becomes your tenant for an agreed lease term.
To qualify, a home generally needs to be within about 30 km of a Defence base and built to DHA's specifications. DHA pays the rent for the full lease, reviews it against the market each year, and charges one service fee as a percentage of the rent.
Perth is a current focus. In October 2024 DHA signed agreements with three WA builders to deliver 550 new homes for Defence members in the Rockingham region, close to HMAS Stirling.
A DHA approved home in Baldivis
A turnkey house and land package currently under construction for one of our investors. Baldivis sits within easy reach of HMAS Stirling and the Rockingham Defence precinct.
| Baldivis DHA compliant house and land | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total turnkey package price | $799,500 |
| Block size | 347 sqm |
| Land component | $325,000 |
| Transfer duty on the land | $9,785 |
| DHA approved rent | $690 / week |
| Indicative gross yield | About 4.5% |
| DHA service fee | A percentage of gross rent, set in the lease |
Gross yield is annual rent divided by the total package price, before the DHA service fee and other costs. Past and example figures are not a guarantee of future returns.
Pros and cons of DHA investing
A DHA lease trades some control for certainty. Here is what that means in practice.
What you gain
- Rent paid by DHA for the full lease, even if the home is vacant between postings
- Long leases, typically up to 12 years, with options to extend
- Most non-structural repairs and maintenance covered during the lease
- Independent annual rent reviews to market value
- One service fee covering property management
What you give up
- The service fee is higher than standard property management
- You can't live in the home or choose the tenant during the lease
- While the lease runs, your resale market is largely other investors
- The home must meet DHA's location and specification rules, which narrows the choice of land and design
From first conversation to DHA handover
Strategy review
We check whether DHA suits your goals, borrowing capacity and cash flow, and compare it with other strategies.
Location and builder
We shortlist land within DHA's catchments and builders who deliver to DHA specifications.
Lease and contracts
We walk you through the DHA lease terms, the build contract and the numbers before you sign.
Build and handover
We stay involved through construction until the home is handed to DHA and the lease starts.
What our investors say
DHA investment questions
What is a DHA investment property?
Who pays the rent if the home is empty?
How long are DHA leases?
What does DHA charge?
Can I sell a DHA property during the lease?
Do I have to invest in Perth?
Is a DHA property right for you?
Talk to a qualified property investment adviser about DHA and the alternatives. We'll run the numbers on your situation, with no obligation.