Nov 5, 2025, 16:15
by
Defence Housing Australia
DHA’s leasing program is constantly evolving to deliver the best results for our landlords and the Defence members living in our homes. Our Myth Buster Series aims to clarify any potential myths you may have heard about investing with DHA and provide accurate information. |
Myth: DHA only leases new properties.
Fact: It’s not about the age of a property but what it offers in lifestyle and location.
A century old workers cottage in the heart of Sydney’s trendy inner city is just one of the appealing housing options DHA likes to have available to Defence members.
These older, renovated properties blend charm with efficient modern conveniences and are often located a stone’s throw from quirky cafes and vibrant restaurants. Inner-city options also tend to be closer to established Defence bases, such as HMAS Kuttabul, on Garden Island, which is one of Australia’s biggest naval operations and home port for almost half the Australian fleet.
Across Australia, the progressive urban sprawl means many long-established Defence installations, like Campbell Barracks in Perth, Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane, or Victoria Barracks on Melbourne’s famous St Kilda Road are now nestled in the heart of established suburbia. For the personnel and their families stationed there, like the rest of us, they are keen to live close to work to avoid a grinding daily commute.
This trend has widened the scope of homes DHA is looking to lease and opens a world of opportunity for investors with existing properties to rent. We currently manage more than 17,000 houses, townhouses and apartments across Australia and they are as different as the Defence members who live there.
Factors impacting the broader residential market make this flexibility even more important. Average vacancy rates nationally were just 1.3 per cent in June 20251. Scarce supply and rising rents mean Defence members are looking for access to a wider selection of homes, including both new and established. For example, Defence couples without children and mature-age empty nesters are more likely to be opting for townhouses and apartments in attractive locations.
Properties leased by DHA need to be within 30 kilometres of a serviced Defence base, which can be a long trip across a busy city in peak hour. Instead of brand-new houses, where supply tends to be concentrated in remote outer suburbs, many Defence personnel prefer the convenience, location and lifestyle that comes with an older home and an established address.
DHA does not have a fixed age limit on the homes we lease. What matters most is whether the property meets our standards for quality and convenience. If your rental is well-maintained, and within the catchment for Defence operations, it could be just what we are looking for.
Every property leased by DHA is assessed on its own merits. Age is just one of many considerations, along with livability factors like layout, presentation, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, outdoor space, parking and proximity to schools, shops and transport.
And if the property is not a perfect fit now, our leasing team may be able to suggest small, practical changes that will make it eligible and potentially give you access to one of Australia’s most reliable rental streams through DHA
Ready to invest? If you'd like to speak to our Investor Support team to learn more about investing with DHA, please call 133 342 or submit an application.
1. https://sqmresearch.com.au/uploads/11_6_25_National_Vacancy_Rates_June_2025