If you’re a property investor or looking to become one, it’s important to understand what negative gearing is as well as the possible benefits, risks and tax considerations that come with it.
What is negative gearing and what is positive gearing?
Gearing is when you borrow money to invest, and it’s typically talked about in the context of investment properties. The income earned from your investment property is either positively or negatively geared.
- A property is positively geared when your rental return (the amount of rent you receive from your tenants) is higher than your interest repayments and other property-related expenses (e.g. strata levies, council and water rates).
- A property is negatively geared when your rental return is less than your interest repayments and other property-related expenses.
- A property can be neutrally geared if the expenses and income are roughly equal.
Positive gearing benefits and tax considerations
The income you get from a positively geared property can put more money into your pocket and help you more confidently meet your loan repayments. It can also help you set money aside to spend on other things. Keep in mind that if your property is positively geared, the net rental income will be subject to income tax.
Negative gearing benefits and tax considerations
The key benefit of negative gearing is that any net rental loss you incur during the financial year may be offset against other income you earn, such as your salary. This in turn reduces your taxable income and how much tax you have to pay.
The 2026-2027 Federal Budget has announced reforms to the tax implications of negatively geared property. Under the proposals:
- For properties that are currently negatively geared and for newly built residential properties, any net rental loss you incur during the financial year may be offset against other income you earn, such as your salary. This in turn reduces your taxable income and how much tax you have to pay.
- For established residential properties acquired after 12 May 2026, any net rental loss incurred after 1 July 2027 will not be offset against other income you earn.
You should consider speaking to your tax adviser or accountant for more information about how these changes could impact you.
Rental expenses you can claim as tax deductions
You may be able to claim the interest portion of your loan repayments and some other rental expenses as tax deductions, provided your property is rented or available for rent.
Capital Gains Tax
Just like you'll pay tax if you earn rental income from your investment property, you'll also pay tax on any net profit you make when you sell the property. If you make money from selling your investment property, your profit is generally a capital gain, and the tax on this amount is your Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
In the 2026-2027 Federal Budget the Government has proposed to change how CGT is calculated. Further information is available here. Before making any investment decisions make sure you understand how the tax rules will apply to your circumstances.
How much CGT you pay depends on a number of factors. For example, when you acquired the property, when you disposed of the property and how the 2026-2027 Federal Budget proposed changes apply to your circumstances.
For more information on CGT, check out our quick guide to it or visit the Australian Tax Office (ATO) website.
Positive or negative gearing – which option is best for you?
Positive and negative gearing strategies both have benefits and drawbacks. The strategy you adopt will depend on your personal circumstances, current income and debts, and risk preferences.
If you’re unsure, consider talking to a financial advisor, accountant or property investing specialist for personalised advice. To find out more about what you can and can't claim on a rental property, visit the ATO website.
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