Investment Property Appliance Guide: What to Buy, What to Skip
Equipping an investment property with the right appliances is about maximising rental return while managing costs intelligently. Buy too cheap and you'll face constant repairs. Buy too expensive and you won't recover the outlay in rent. This guide finds the right balance.
The Core Principle: Mid-Range, High Reliability
For investment properties, the goal is to minimise maintenance calls and replacements over a 10-year period. The cheapest appliances rarely achieve this. The most expensive ones cost more than you'll ever recover in rent. The sweet spot is mid-range brands with strong reliability records.
Best brands for investment properties: Westinghouse, Hisense, Electrolux, Simpson, Fisher & Paykel entry-range
What You Should Always Provide
Oven and Cooktop
An oven and cooktop (or freestanding cooker) is a legal requirement if the property's kitchen has a recess designed for one. It's also a basic expectation of any tenant. A reliable 60cm freestanding cooker from Euromaid or Westinghouse at $700–$900 is a sound investment that will last 8–12 years with normal use.
Rangehood
A functional rangehood prevents grease and moisture damage to kitchen cabinetry, protecting your asset. A simple undermount or wall-mounted rangehood at $200–$400 is worth it purely for the property protection it provides.
What Significantly Increases Rental Demand
Washing Machine
Tenants without laundry access are a significant segment of Sydney's rental market. Providing a washing machine makes your property accessible to a wider pool of tenants and can justify $20–40/week higher rent in competitive markets. A reliable 7–8 kg front loader (Westinghouse, Hisense, Simpson) at $900–$1,200 typically pays for itself in higher rent within 1–2 years.
Dishwasher
Modern tenants increasingly expect a dishwasher. A freestanding model from Electrolux or Westinghouse at $700–$900 adds appeal without excessive cost. For high-end properties, a built-in model suits better.
What to Consider Carefully
Fridge
Fridges are more commonly expected by short-stay tenants (Airbnb, corporate lets) than long-term residential tenants. For long-term residential rentals, most tenants bring their own fridge. Unless your target market specifically expects one, this is often unnecessary for standard residential lets.
Dryer
Useful for apartment buildings without communal laundry access. For houses with outdoor areas, tenants usually manage without. Consider your target market.
What to Skip for Investment Properties
- Premium brand fridges (Miele, V-Zug, AEG premium range) — The rental premium you can charge doesn't justify the cost
- Large 90cm ovens — Unless it's a large luxury home, a 60cm oven is sufficient and cheaper
- Water/ice dispensers in fridges — Additional features that generate more service calls
- Smart/connected appliances — Unnecessary complexity for investment properties
Tax and Depreciation
Appliances purchased for investment properties are tax-deductible under Australian tax law. Each appliance has an ATO-designated effective life for depreciation purposes (e.g., washing machines: 10 years, fridges: 12 years). Some investors may also qualify for immediate deductions under applicable instant asset write-off thresholds. Speak to your accountant for specific advice.
Package Pricing for Investors
At Oceania Appliances, we regularly supply investors equipping multiple properties. Talk to us about package pricing — we can often reduce per-unit costs when you're buying in bulk for multiple properties.
Contact Us
Visit our showroom at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park or contact our team. Free Sydney delivery, 3–6 month warranty on every appliance. Open 7 days, 10 am to 8 pm.