by
Defence Housing Australia | Jan 30, 2025
There is an air of change in the relaxed holiday town of Nowra, on the New South Wales south coast. Located on the banks of the Shoalhaven River, Nowra is a gateway to the picturesque region and the stunning marine playground of Jervis Bay.
The region’s popularity as a family holiday spot has never been a secret but its appeal as an urban lifestyle destination is attracting attention and creating exciting new opportunities for investors.
The first million-dollar waterfront apartments are starting to emerge and smaller developments on the water, particularly rental townhouses and villas, are being snapped up by a new generation of singles and couples wanting compact living and lifestyle.
Defence operations play an important part in the vibrant local economy. On the outskirts of town, HMAS Albatross is the Australian Navy’s only air station and its biggest operational base. On the south-west shores of Jervis Bay is the Australian Naval Academy at HMAS Cresswell.
In between, are some of the most sought-after foreshore residential villages, from Callala Bay to Huskisson and Vincentia.
More than half of the thousand service personnel stationed in the area are single professionals. It is a growing trend in today’s contemporary Defence force.
Many live on base because they struggle to find appropriate accommodation to rent or share. Their ideal home is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with a courtyard that’s within walking distance of the water.
This growing demand is opening new doors for existing property owners and investors, particularly those looking to build a future nest egg for retirement with the security of a long-term lease guaranteed* by Defence Housing Australia (DHA).
Leasing a private rental to DHA is one of the easiest and safest ways to invest in residential property, particularly for remote owners and busy people looking for an easier solution to manage their rental than through a conventional real estate agent.
DHA leases include a single fee for property care, which automatically covers most non-structural repairs. DHA will even manage all the arrangements to keep the asset in great shape.
Lost rent and vacancy costs become a thing of the past as the rent is guaranteed* by your government-backed tenant, even when occupants move and the property is empty*.
As well as independent rent reviews, owners have peace of mind knowing that their property is being looked after by trusted Defence members and their families.
It is a solution worth considering for those investing for the future who want to get in on the ground floor of a market heading for significant change.
If you have a new or existing home close to the water – or plans in mind – talk to the DHA leasing team today. For investors planning the right project, DHA can help reduce the risk by committing to a long-term lease – up to 12 years – straight off the plan. Use the
online enquiry form or call 133 342.
*Rent may be subject to abatement under certain circumstances such as loss of enjoyment or amenity, or breach of lease terms. Rent is paid where the property is habitable. Should a property become uninhabitable during the term of the lease, or lessor breaches the lease terms, the rent may cease or abate and the lease may be terminated by DHA. Guaranteed rent is subject to the terms of the lease. DHA does not take into account an investor's objectives or financial needs. Investors should always seek appropriate independent advice before making any investment decisions with DHA. A comprehensive description of repairs included in our service and exclusions can be found in the Property Care Contract. For more information, please visit https://www.dha.gov.au/investing/property-care.
**It’s important to understand that DHA is not selling these properties directly. We have assessed the property location, plans and inclusions and committed to a long-term lease on completion of construction, if delivered to the agreed specifications in the DHA Offer to Lease. However, this is not an endorsement of each individual builder.