Are Property Investors Really Cashing In? The Reality of Negative Cash Flow
Owning an investment property is often seen as a smart wealth-building strategy, but the reality for many landlords is far more complex.
A common misconception is that landlords are riding the wave of higher rental returns and enjoying strong profits. However, the truth is less glamorous. Recent research shows that around 65% of Australian property investors are actually in negative cash flow, meaning their rental income doesn’t cover the cost of holding the property.
What’s causing the pressure?
High interest rates and rising property-related costs are the biggest culprits. Even though rents have gone up in many areas, they’re not keeping pace with mortgage repayments, insurance, strata, maintenance, and tax obligations. The result? Most landlords are tipping in their own funds, often from salary or savings, to keep their properties afloat.
In fact, more than 40% of investors report cash flow is tight, and over 10% are relying on their savings to cover shortfalls. For investors with two or three properties, many expect to remain in negative cash flow for five years or more, some even anticipate it will take up to two decades before they turn a profit.
The challenges and opportunities of being a landlord
Unexpected repairs, emergency maintenance, and tenant turnover can throw even the best-laid budgets off course. At the same time, great opportunities can come up to grow your portfolio, but accessing funds quickly is often a barrier.
That’s where Rent Flow may be able to help.
We work closely with both property managers and landlords, and we know firsthand the pressures that come with managing investment properties, especially in today’s high-cost environment.
We offer short-term funding solutions designed specifically for property owners. Whether it’s to cover urgent repairs, smooth out cash flow between tenancies, or fund a smart renovation, Rent Flow helps bridge the financial gap without the stress.
Supporting landlords in tougher times
We understand that being a landlord isn’t always easy. But you’re not alone. Rent Flow was created with the realities of property ownership in mind, offering flexible support for those moments when the numbers just don’t add up.
Whether it’s covering the cost of urgent repairs, bridging the gap between tenants, or acting quickly on a new investment opportunity, Rent Flow helps landlords access the funds they need, when they need them.
Landlords can apply online in minutes, sharing basic information like the purpose of the loan, the property address, and a few financial details. From there, assessments are typically completed within 24 hours, and if approved, landlords can unlock up to 24 months of future rental income, with the flexibility to repay it over a period of up to 36 months.
There’s no need to refinance or restructure existing loans. Instead, repayments are made directly from the rent collected, and can even be paused for up to three months during periods of vacancy, providing a practical, low-risk way to manage cash flow without added pressure.
This gives property investors immediate access to capital without the red tape. Whether you’re improving a property, keeping things running during tough months, or planning for growth, Rent Flow is here to help you stay in control, so your investment keeps working for you, not the other way around.