Are Turnkey Properties a Good Investment?
by Mark Polatkesen, General Manager - Mortgage Domayne
When it comes to stress-free investing, turnkey properties offer big benefits – especially for first-time investors. But are turnkey properties a good investment? Let’s break down what they are, how they work, and why Carlisle’s homes are a standout choice.
Property investment can be an excellent way to build long-term wealth – but navigating the process isn’t always straightforward. From construction decisions to cost overruns, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the details.
That’s why turnkey investment properties are increasingly popular with investors looking for certainty, simplicity and a faster path to rental income. And when you choose the right builder, a turnkey property can deliver outstanding value from day one.
What is a turnkey investment property?
In simple terms, a turnkey investment is a ready-built home that’s constructed and finished, making it move-in ready. Everything is completed - from flooring to landscaping, high-quality finishes, appliances and a range of energy-efficient features already included. The process is simple, just sign, settle and move into (or rent out) your new home. Located in the very best established communities across Melbourne, you’ll gain instant access to schools, parks and amenities. Our turnkey, completed homes, ready now, offer a convenient and stress-free experience.
Unlike house-and-land packages that require post-build work (like landscaping or upgrades), a turnkey investment really comes down to convenience. It’s an all-in-one solution that eliminates hidden costs, decision fatigue and long construction timelines.
So, if you’ve ever asked yourself, what is turnkey investment, it’s best defined as a completed, or ready-to-rent property, with minimal fuss and maximum appeal.
You can explore any of our completed homes, ready now today.
Located in prime locations across Melbourne, our ready homes are the perfect choice for those wanting to invest or move-in instantly
Why turnkey properties make smart investments
Certainty, speed and fewer surprises
When you’re investing, time is money – and delays can significantly impact your return. Turnkey investment properties offer faster build times, fixed pricing, and fewer variables, meaning you can plan your cash flow with confidence.
At Carlisle Homes, we specialise in this exact model. We have completed homes available across all three home ranges – including our EasyLiving Series, Inspire and Affinity Collections, as well as townhomes and ex-display homes. Our completed, turnkey investment properties remove the uncertainty that can often come with building from scratch.
From ready homes, to luxury townhomes and ex-display homes, our completed homes range has a suitable option for everyone
What makes a Carlisle turnkey investment different?
Designed for investors, built for peace of mind
When you build with Carlisle, you’re not just getting a home – you’re getting a complete package, backed by decades of experience and plenty of industry awards. Our turnkey homes are popular with first-time and seasoned investors alike thanks to:
- Fixed pricing – no hidden costs
- Contemporary, on-trend interiors
- Energy-efficient features included as standard
- A 100-point warranty inspection after settlement
- 25-year structural guarantee
- Access to expert advice from in-house construction finance specialists
Right through the process, you’ll know exactly what to expect – and exactly what you’re paying for.
The value of EasyLiving turnkey investment homes
Carlisle’s EasyLiving Series is the perfect entry point for those wanting a turnkey investment that balances affordability with style and long-term appeal.
Our homes are designed for modern living, with open-plan layouts, multiple living zones, and clever features that appeal to renters and buyers alike. Plus, you’ll receive more inclusions as standard – saving you time and money down the line.
View our EasyLiving home designs that are currently available for purchase.
Some inclusions you’ll find in every EasyLiving home:
- Caesarstone® benchtops
- Luxury kitchen layout
- Designer colour schemes
- Premium flooring throughout
- Solar systems and energy-efficient lighting
- Fully landscaped front gardens
- Stylish facades and contemporary finishes
With an extensive list of impressive EasyLiving inclusions, it’s easy to see why this popular Series is becoming a sought-after option for turnkey investments.
Enjoy faster returns on investment with Carlisle’s ready homes range
Are turnkey properties a good investment in 2025?
The answer? In many cases, absolutely. A well-located, well-designed turnkey investment property can offer:
- Faster returns
- Lower risk of cost blowouts
- Tax benefits, including depreciation and negative gearing
- Government incentives, including stamp duty concessions
- Strong rental appeal
- Simpler finance and approval processes
And with Carlisle’s high-quality construction and dedicated investment support from start to finish, your journey to becoming a property investor couldn’t be more straightforward.
Estimate your yield using our investment property calculator.
Homes that are ready to rent – and return
Quick returns are one of the biggest factors when it comes to property and turnkey investment, meaning the faster they are built, the fast you see money coming in. With a focus on generating rental income sooner, with Carlisle there’s no waiting on trades or chasing quotes for driveways or landscaping – which means your property can start working for you faster.
And because EasyLiving homes feature thoughtful floorplans and quality finishes, they’re more appealing to tenants – which means fewer vacancies and the potential for premium rental returns.
Browse our completed homes for sale.
Growth corridors and new communities such as Canopy Estate in Cranbourne featured here, offer better land value, tenant demand and long-term growth potential.
Must-know tips before you invest
We’ve worked with hundreds of property investors over the years and have put together a comprehensive guide to building an investment property to help those considering property as a way to build wealth. We also outline our must-know tips for building an investment property with practical insights and advice throughout our blog archive.
Whether you’re building your first investment or expanding your portfolio, these tips can help:
Understand your target market
Build a home that suits local demand – like young families, couples, or downsizers. Think four bedrooms, open living, and low-maintenance finishes.
Choose your location wisely
Growth corridors and new communities often offer better land value, tenant demand and long-term growth potential.
Work with a builder who understands investment
From tax benefits to tenant-ready handover, you want a partner who gets what turnkey investment really means.
So, what is a turnkey investment – and is it right for you?
A turnkey investment is all about ease, clarity and confidence. With a single contract, a fixed price, and a fully completed home, it’s an efficient, lower-risk way to become a property investor.
Whether you’re new to investing or looking to expand your portfolio, a turnkey investment property comes down to this: a finished home ready to start delivering income – without extra costs, time, or hassle.
Ready to build a smarter investment?
If you’ve been wondering are turnkey properties a good investment, the answer could lie in the right builder, the right location – and the right home design.
With Carlisle Homes, you’ll get all three. Homes without our EasyLiving Series offer unbeatable value, fixed pricing, and quality that renters and investors trust – backed by expert advice every step of the way.
Discover the EasyLiving Series. Explore our completed homes now or speak to our team about building your first turnkey investment today.
Mark Polatkesen
General Manager - Mortgage Domayne
With over two decades of experience in the finance industry, Mark Polatkesen leads Mortgage Domayne, one of Australia’s largest construction-focused mortgage brokerages.
Mark Polatkesen