Valentine’s Day is usually about flowers, dinners and grand gestures, but it can also be a timely reminder to give your investment property a little attention before the financial year slips away.

Because when you show your investment property some love, it tends to return the favour, through higher rental income, fewer nasty surprises, and better long-term growth. Think of it less as a romance and more as relationship maintenance.

Here are a few simple ways investors can show their property some love this February.

1. Start with the numbers

Every good relationship starts with honesty, and in property, that means being honest about the numbers.

A quick financial health check is always a smart place to begin. Book a chat with your accountant to review deductions and expenses.

If you don’t already have one, organising a depreciation schedule through a specialist such as BMT could unlock additional tax benefits and improve cash flow. Indeed, BMT says it can help residential investors identify an average of more than $12,000 in deductions in the first full financial year, which is enough to cover the cost of plenty of red roses.

2. Check if your rent is still on the market

Rental markets don’t stand still, and neither should your returns. A conversation with your property manager can confirm whether you’re achieving current market rent or if there’s scope for an adjustment.

Even small increases, aligned with market conditions, can make a meaningful difference over the year, especially with the less-than-loving Reserve Bank’s latest interest rate increase putting extra pressure on investor returns.

Communication is everything in any relationship, including the one you have with your investment.

Your property manager is your eyes and ears on the ground, so it pays to review the latest routine inspection report together and talk through any emerging maintenance issues, whether your tenants are happy and likely to stay, what could make the property more competitive in the local market, and to tackle any outstanding repairs. Summer is an ideal time to get on top of these items, when tradies such as electricians, plumbers and handypeople are often more available before the end-of-financial-year rush begins in late April and May.

3. Invest in the right improvements

Thoughtful gestures matter. And in property terms, that means improvements that make life better for tenants while strengthening long-term value.

With the help of your Raine & Horne Property Manager, focus on changes that improve tenant appeal and your investment’s occupancy rate, such as:

• fresh paint or flooring
• energy-efficient appliances
• air-conditioning or heating — if your strata allow it
• added storage or improved outdoor usability

4. Don’t forget compliance and safety

Showing your investment property “love” also means protecting it.

Take time to confirm that smoke alarms are compliant, that pool safety requirements are up to date (if applicable), and that your landlord insurance is current and adequate. These aren’t glamorous tasks, but they’re essential to protecting your asset and your income.

5. Get organised before tax time

As Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, it’s the perfect excuse to spend an hour showing your paperwork some love before heading out for a romantic dinner. Log maintenance costs, file receipts, and track improvements and upgrades — a small act of commitment now that will make tax time a whole lot less heart-stopping later.

A little organisation now can make a big difference when tax time rolls around — and your accountant will love you for it.

A small check-in can go a long way

Looking after an investment property doesn’t require dramatic gestures, after all, it’s a bit hard to fly your rental property to Paris, the Maldives or another dream destination on 14 February. What being attentive to your investment property does involve is steady attention and a bit of care.

A financial recap, a quick conversation with your property manager and accountant sooner rather than later, and a few smart upgrades can help maximise returns, retain tenants and protect the value of your asset. And like any good relationship, the effort you put in today can pay dividends for years to come.

For more tips on how to show your investment property some love this Valentine’s Day, contact your local Raine & Horne Property Manager.