What is the Difference Between Positive and Negative Gearing?

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If you've explored investment properties, you've probably come across the term 'gearing' at some point. Fortunately, gearing is relatively straightforward to grasp in the context of property. However, determining whether positive or negative gearing is better isn't as clear-cut. The optimal investment decision for any property investor hinges on their unique financial situation. Here, we'll discuss negative gearing vs positive gearing.

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Positive Gearing 

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In property, positive gearing is when the rental income generated by your investment property exceeds your monthly expenditures, including loan repayments, maintenance costs, and renovations. For instance, if your investment property rakes in $20,000 per year from rent while your total expenses, including loan repayments, body corporate fees, maintenance, and so forth, amount to only $15,000, you're left with a positive annual cash flow of $5,000. In simpler terms, a positively geared property signifies it's generating a profit for the owner. Positive gearing is more prevalent in situations with high demand for rental properties and low interest rates.

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How Positive Gearing Works

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Positive gearing works by ensuring that the income generated from an investment property exceeds the expenses associated with it. In the case of Jane, here's how her positive gearing strategy works:

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Jane is considering buying an investment property in Carlton, Melbourne, valued at $500,000. The estimated annual expenses for the property, including maintenance, fees, and loan interest, amount to $5,500. Additionally, she plans to take out a $150,000 loan with a monthly interest charge of $750.

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Jane expects to earn $600 weekly in rental income from the property. To calculate the annual rental income, we can multiply this by the number of weeks in a year (approximately 52 weeks): $600/week x 52 weeks = $31,200 per year.

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To determine her cash flow, we subtract the annual expenses from the annual rental income:

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Annual Rental Income - Annual Expenses

$31,200 - $5,500 = $25,700

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In this simplified example, Jane's investment strategy generates a positive cash flow of $25,700 annually. This means that the property generates more income than she spends on expenses, which can supplement her income. It's important to note that this example doesn't account for factors like taxes, inflation, or changes in income and interest rates over time, which can impact the real-world financial performance of an investment property. Jane's situation is also simplified for illustrative purposes. Investors should consider these additional factors and consult with financial professionals before making investment decisions.

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Pros of Positive Gearing 

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The positive gearing strategy in real estate investing offers several advantages:

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• Increased Income: With positive gearing, you receive a regular stream of investment income. This can significantly boost your overall income, providing extra funds to meet various financial goals, such as paying off your mortgage or covering other expenses.
• Lower Risk: Positive gearing tends to be less risky because your rental income exceeds your expenses. This surplus can buffer against unexpected costs, making your investment more financially stable.
• Attractiveness for Further Investments: The income generated from positively geared properties can be used to finance additional investments. Furthermore, having a positive cash flow can enhance your ability to secure loans for future investment opportunities, as lenders often look favourably upon a property with a proven income stream.
• Portfolio Building: Positive gearing allows you to accumulate properties over time. Your property portfolio grows as you acquire more positively geared investments, potentially increasing your overall wealth and financial security.
• Portfolio Balance: Positively geared properties can also counterbalance negatively geared ones. If investments are not generating as much income, the surplus from positively geared properties can help cover losses and maintain overall portfolio stability.

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Cons of Positive Gearing 

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• Increased Tax Liability: Positive gearing means you have higher rental income, which increases taxable income. This means you'll pay more in taxes. It's essential to factor in the tax implications when assessing the overall profitability of your investment.
• Slow Capital Growth: Positively geared properties are often located in rural or regional areas, where property values may not appreciate as rapidly as those in urban centres. This slower capital growth can limit the long-term wealth-building potential of the investment.
• Volatile Growth: Investments in regional areas can be more susceptible to economic fluctuations, especially if they rely heavily on specific industries like mining. The performance of these properties may be less stable and predictable than properties in more diversified and stable markets.

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Negative Gearing 

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Negative gearing is like a financial chess move in the world of investments. Imagine this: you're investing with borrowed money, but the income generated falls short of covering your expenses. Simply put, you're in the red - that's negative cash flow. Now, at first glance, this might seem like an odd play. Still, it's a well-worn strategy, especially in the dynamic landscape of property investments in thriving metropolises or promising suburban areas.

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Here's the intriguing twist. You're willingly taking a short-term hit, essentially running at a loss. Why? The belief is in the future. It's a bet that the property you're investing in will swell in value over time, generating substantial capital gains when you eventually decide to cash in. It's almost like planting a seed and patiently waiting for the tree to grow. Plus, there's a potential bonus here - those short-term losses might be tax-deductible, softening the financial blow.

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So, you see, negative gearing isn't a financial oddity; it's a calculated strategy many investors employ to navigate the intricate world of property investments with an eye on long-term gains.

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How Negative Gearing Works

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Let's step into the shoes of John Smith, an IT consultant with an annual income of $80,000. John's set his sights on an investment property in Parramatta, a Sydney suburb buzzing with future growth potential. The property in question holds a price tag of $500,000, but there's a financial puzzle to solve.

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When we dissect the numbers, we find that John's property-related expenses tally up to about $5,500 annually. On the flip side, he's projecting a rental income of $600 each week.

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To make this investment a reality, John is opting for a $500,000 loan, given that he doesn't have any savings tucked away for this venture. The interest on this loan will ring in at $2,500 per month.

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Here's the intriguing twist to John's investment strategy. In the short term, his expenses are set to overshadow his income, resulting in a negative cash flow. It might appear counterintuitive at first glance, but this is the essence of negative gearing. It's a strategic move where you willingly accept a financial dip now, hoping and expecting the property's value to surge. Think of it as planting a seed today and anticipating a bountiful harvest.

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However, it's crucial to remember that this is a simplified snapshot of John's investment journey. It doesn't factor in elements like tax implications, the impact of inflation, or how shifts in income and interest rates might influence the equation over time. Nonetheless, it offers a glimpse into the dynamics of the negative gearing strategy.

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Pros of Negative Gearing 

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Let’s have a look at the benefits of negative gearing:

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• Tax Benefits: One of the standout advantages of negative gearing is the potential for tax benefits. The expenses you incur when operating a negatively geared investment property are typically tax deductible. Negative gearing can reduce your tax bill. High-income earners benefit most. Don't make it your only tax strategy, but it's a valuable tool.
• Capital Growth: Negative gearing can shine when the investment property experiences robust capital growth. Even though you might face short-term losses, the belief is that the property's value will significantly appreciate over the long term. This potential for substantial capital gains in the future can outweigh the initial financial setbacks, making negative gearing a strategic play for investors looking to build wealth through property investment.

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Cons of Negative Gearing 

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• Higher Financial Risk: Negative gearing involves operating at a loss during the investment period. This inherently carries financial risk. Managing these shortfalls can become challenging if unexpected setbacks occur, such as a significant drop in property values or an increase in interest rates. Tighter cash flows might also affect your ability to secure financing for future investments, limiting your options.
• Long-Term Investment Strategy: Negative gearing is fundamentally a long-term investment strategy. The benefits often manifest over an extended period. This means you must plan and budget for unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the investment's duration. A financial buffer is crucial to weather potential financial storms and sustain your investment strategy until you realise the expected capital gains.

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Which One Is Best For You?

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The right property investment strategy, whether positive or negative gearing, depends on your personal financial goals and how much risk you're comfortable with. Some investors even mix both strategies in their portfolios for a balanced approach. Understanding how these strategies work is crucial, and consulting with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions is crucial. Your choice should align with your unique circumstances, whether you're looking for immediate income or long-term growth, so take your time and plan carefully.

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What is Capital Gains Tax?

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Now, you might be wondering, “What is a Capital Gains Tax?” Capital gains tax (CGT) is a tax on the money you make when selling certain assets like property, stocks, or cryptocurrencies. While it's called "capital gains tax," it's part of your overall income tax, not a separate one. When you sell an asset and trigger what's known as a CGT event, you need to report any gains or losses in your income tax return.

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Making a profit (a capital gain) will increase the income tax you owe, so it's wise to calculate how much tax you might owe and set aside funds to cover it. On the flip side, if you incur a loss (a capital loss), you can use it to offset any future capital gains, reducing the tax you have to pay. It's important to include these losses in your tax return to benefit from them in the future. So, CGT is all about managing the tax implications of your investments when you buy or sell assets.

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Capital Gains Tax on Property

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Capital gains tax on a property is the tax you pay on the profit or loss you make when you sell a property you own. It's calculated by taking the difference between the amount you paid for the property when you bought it and the amount you receive when you sell it. If the sale results in a profit, it's called a capital gain; if it results in a loss, it's a capital loss.

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It's essential to note that this capital gain or loss isn't a separate tax but is treated as part of your overall assessable income for the year. Importantly, you report it when entering into the contract to sell the property, not when the sale settles. This means that the tax is based on the contract date rather than the settlement date of the property sale.

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CGT Rates

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The capital gains tax rate can vary depending on your specific circumstances, including your income level and the type of asset you've sold. Here's a simplified breakdown:

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• Individuals: For most individuals, the capital gains tax rate is typically aligned with your regular income tax rate for the year you made the capital gain. You'll generally pay a higher capital gains tax rate if you're in a higher income tax bracket.
• Discount for Individuals: In some cases, individuals may be eligible for a capital gains tax discount. In Australia, for example, individuals who have owned an asset for more than 12 months may be entitled to a 50% discount on their capital gains tax liability. This effectively reduces the tax payable on the capital gain.
• Companies: Companies typically do not receive discounts on capital gains tax. Instead, they are subject to a flat tax rate on net capital gains, often around 30%.

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Can You Avoid Paying CGT?

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There are several exemptions and circumstances under which you can avoid paying capital gains tax, depending on your situation and the country's tax laws. Here are some common exemptions:

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Main Residence Exemption

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‍The Main Residence Exemption is one of the most commonly utilised methods to avoid paying CGT. This exemption is designed to encourage homeownership and ensures that individuals don't face a tax burden when selling their primary place of residence. Here's how it works:

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If the property you're selling is your primary residence, you can often avoid paying CGT on the profit from its sale. This exemption typically applies to the property you live in. The key criteria for claiming this exemption include:

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• Occupancy: You must have lived in the property as your primary residence for the majority of the time you owned it. It's crucial to establish that the property was genuinely your main home.
• Size of Land: There are usually restrictions on the size of the land surrounding your primary residence. The exemption may apply to a specific amount of land, and any land beyond that may be subject to CGT.
• Duration of Ownership: You should have owned the property for a certain minimum duration to qualify for this exemption, typically at least six months.
• No Other Main Residence: You can generally only claim this exemption for one property at a time, which should be your primary place of residence.

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It's essential to check your country's specific rules and guidelines regarding the Main Residence Exemption, as they may vary. Utilizing this exemption can result in substantial tax savings when selling your primary home.

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Pre-1985 Property

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In some countries, CGT exemptions are granted to properties purchased before a particular cutoff date, which is often referred to as the "pre-1985 property" exemption. For example, in Australia, properties acquired before the 20th of September 1985 may be exempt from CGT. This exemption is often aimed at long-held properties that have appreciated significantly over time.

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The idea behind this exemption is to provide relief for individuals who have owned properties for many years and would otherwise face a substantial CGT liability due to substantial property value appreciation.

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Temporary Rental Exemption:The Temporary Rental Exemption is relevant for property owners who initially used their primary residence and later rented it out for a period. This exemption typically allows homeowners to sell their property without paying CGT if certain conditions are met:

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• Previous Main Residence: The property must have been your primary residence at some point.
• Timeframe: The sale should occur within a specific timeframe, often within six years of it first being rented out. Meeting this condition is crucial to claim the exemption.
• Limited Rental Period: There may be a limit on the total duration for which the property can be rented out while still qualifying for this exemption.

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The Temporary Rental Exemption recognises that life circumstances can change, and individuals may need to rent out their primary residence temporarily. This exemption provides a tax benefit in such situations.

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Retiree Small Business Exemption

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‍Some countries offer a Retiree Small Business Exemption to individuals aged 55 or older who are retired or incapacitated and have owned a small business for a specified duration. This exemption aims to reward retirees who have contributed to the economy through small business ownership.

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To qualify for this exemption, individuals typically need to meet certain criteria, such as:

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• Age Requirement: Being at or above a certain age, often 55 or older.
• Small Business Ownership: Owning and operating a small business for a specified minimum duration.
• Retirement Status: Being officially retired or incapacitated.

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The Retiree Small Business Exemption can provide significant tax relief for retirees looking to sell their businesses.

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Capital Gains Discount

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‍Many countries offer a Capital Gains Discount, also known as a CGT discount, for assets held for a longer duration. This discount is typically aimed at encouraging long-term investment and provides tax benefits to individuals and small businesses that hold assets for an extended period.

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For example, a common discount is a 50% reduction on the capital gain, which means you only pay tax on half of the profit when you sell the asset. To qualify for this discount, you often need to meet specific holding period requirements, such as holding the asset for at least one year.

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The Capital Gains Discount recognises the value of long-term investment and incentivises individuals to hold assets for extended periods to benefit from reduced CGT liabilities.

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Offsetting Capital Losses

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‍Offsetting capital losses with capital gains is a fundamental strategy for managing CGT liabilities. When you incur a capital loss on an investment, you can often use it to offset capital gains in the future. This means that if you have an investment that results in a loss, you can deduct that loss from the gains you make on other investments when calculating your CGT liability.

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For example, if you sell one investment property at a loss and another at a profit in the same tax year, you can offset the loss against the gain, reducing the overall CGT payable.

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Offsetting capital losses provides a practical way to minimize your tax liability and optimise your investment portfolio.

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In summary, these exemptions and strategies offer individuals and businesses opportunities to legally reduce or avoid paying CGT on the sale of assets. It's essential to understand the specific criteria and requirements for each exemption and consult with tax professionals to ensure compliance with tax laws and maximise tax savings. Tax regulations can be complex and subject to change, so staying informed is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

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Tax Deduction Claim on Investment Property

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Property investors can often claim tax deductions on various expenses related to their rental property. However, eligibility and rules can vary by country, so it's essential to understand your specific tax regulations. Here are some common examples of expenses that property investors may be eligible to claim as tax deductions:

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Interest on Your Investment Home Loan

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The deduction for mortgage interest payments can indeed be a substantial benefit for investment property owners, contingent on factors like the size of your mortgage and the interest rate. To qualify for this deduction, you should have purchased the property to rent it out for income generation, which typically involves servicing an investment home loan.

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Sometimes, property buyers may have a dual purpose for a property, using it both as their primary residence and as an investment by renting out part of the property, perhaps with a granny flat or spare room. In such cases, deductions for interest payments should correspond to the income-earning portion of the property. However, this can become intricate, especially when sharing the space with a roommate, so consulting with qualified experts or tax professionals is a prudent step to ensure accurate and compliant tax filings. Tax laws and regulations can be complex and subject to change, so expert guidance can help maximise your eligible deductions and minimise any potential errors or issues with tax claims.

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Repairs and Maintenance

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Repairing damaged property features can indeed be a tax-deductible expense for property owners. However, there are some important nuances to keep in mind. To qualify as a repair, the work should aim to restore the damaged item or feature to its original condition. You can't use repair claims to enhance the property beyond its original state sneakily.

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For example, you replace damaged timber panels in a fence with steel ones. If the original panels were timber, this replacement would be considered an improvement, not a repair. Improvements can still offer tax benefits but generally involve depreciation claims over several years rather than an immediate deduction.

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Maintenance, on the other hand, is an immediate tax deduction. It covers routine tasks and upkeep done to keep the property in a habitable condition. This can include plumbing repairs, lawn maintenance, and similar tasks. Notably, regular maintenance can help prevent damage, reducing potential future expenses.

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It's essential to maintain clear records of all repair and maintenance expenses and consult with tax professionals or experts to ensure accurate and compliant tax claims. Tax regulations can be complex, and understanding the distinctions between repairs, improvements, and maintenance is crucial for maximising your eligible deductions while adhering to tax laws.

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Depreciation of Building Structure and Assets

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Claiming depreciation on a rental property's building structure and various features can be a valuable aspect of tax deductions for property investors. However, it's important to understand how this process works:

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• Depreciation: Depreciation isn't an immediate tax deduction. Instead, it involves creating a depreciation schedule, typically prepared by a Quantity Surveyor. This schedule outlines the deductions available over the life of your property. It covers the wear and tear of the property's structural elements and features.
• Capital Works: Improvements made to the property that increases its value or desirability fall under the capital works or capital allowances classifications. Examples include installing new appliances, renovating the kitchen or bathroom, extending the property, upgrading fencing, or landscaping. These improvements can often be claimed as deductions over time.
• Previous Owners' Improvements: It's worth noting that you can also claim depreciation on improvements made by previous property owners. This can add to your potential tax deductions.

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Maintaining accurate records and working with a Quantity Surveyor or tax professional can help you maximise the depreciation deductions available. Depreciation schedules can be complex and vary based on your property's specifics, so professional guidance is often advisable to ensure you claim what you're entitled to within the bounds of tax regulations.

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Advertising for Tenants

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The expenses incurred when searching for tenants for your rental property are generally tax deductible. This can encompass various costs, including hiring a real estate agent to assist with the rental process, professional photography to showcase the property, or fees for online listings. These deductions can help offset the initial expenses of finding suitable tenants and preparing the property for rental. It's important to keep thorough records of these expenses to ensure accurate tax reporting and to maximise your eligible deductions.

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Strata Fees, Council Rates and Some Bills

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If your rental property is on a strata title (common in apartment complexes), the fees you pay to the body corporate or strata management are typically tax-deductible. Similarly, various utility bills associated with the property can also be claimed as deductions. This includes council rates, water bills, and energy, gas, and electricity expenses. These deductions help offset the costs of maintaining and operating the rental property and are an important aspect of managing your investment's financial aspects. Keeping thorough records of these expenses is crucial to ensure accurate and compliant tax reporting.

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Other Deductions

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Other common tax write-offs include:

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Property Management and Agency Fees

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As a property investor, you can save money on your taxes by deducting various expenses related to your rental property. This includes advertising costs to find tenants, maintenance expenses like cleaning and gardening, strata fees if you're part of a corporate body, and utility bills not covered by tenants. If you hire a property agent to manage your property, their fees and advertising costs can be deducted. Keeping good records of these expenses is essential to lower your overall tax bill and ensure you follow tax rules.

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Some Legal Fees

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Legal costs and expenses related to rental activities are generally tax-deductible for property investors. This includes fees for legal advice and preparing documents pertinent to rental activities. For example, if you need to evict a tenant or go to court for issues like unpaid rent, you can claim the costs associated with these legal actions. This deduction helps offset the expenses incurred when resolving legal matters related to your rental property and is an important aspect of managing your investment's finances. Accurate record-keeping of these legal expenses is crucial for proper tax reporting and compliance with tax regulations.

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Stationary

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Operating as a landlord is akin to running a business, and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) permits landlords to claim deductions for various expenses associated with their rental property. This includes expenses like stationery, phone contracts, internet costs, and electricity usage. However, it's important to note that you can only claim the portion of these expenses that directly relates to your investment property. Accurate record-keeping is key to ensuring you claim the correct portion of these expenses, helping to reduce your taxable income and your overall tax liability while staying compliant with tax regulations.

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Travel Costs

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Changes to tax regulations mean that many individual property investors, often called "mum and dad" investors, can no longer claim travel costs for inspecting a rental property or carrying out repairs. This restriction applies to individual investors who aren't considered excluded entities or landlords actively running a property investment business.

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For example, consider John, who owns rental properties through his Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF). Even though he's involved in property investment, he cannot claim travel expenses for visiting his properties to conduct repairs or maintain the garden. These changes emphasise the importance of staying informed about evolving tax rules and seeking advice from tax professionals to ensure compliance with current regulations and maximise eligible deductions.

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Land Tax

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Land tax can be claimed as a deduction for your investment property if there is a rented dwelling. However, it's essential to be aware that land tax rules and rates can vary significantly between different states in Australia, and the timing of when you can claim the cost may also differ.

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To ensure you're claiming the correct amount of land tax deduction in the right tax year, it's advisable to consult with a tax advisor or contact the appropriate state government department. They can provide specific guidance based on your property's location and current tax regulations.

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Pest Control

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If the landlord pays for a professional pest control service, they can deduct the cost as part of property maintenance. However, if the tenant pays for it, they generally can't claim it as a deduction because they're responsible for their own living expenses in the rental property. Keep good records of expenses and consider consulting with a tax professional for accurate tax reporting.

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Tax Deduction Claim While Not Renting Your Property

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When you deliberately keep your investment property empty, you typically can't claim the usual rental property tax deductions. However, tracking your expenses during this time is wise because they may help offset capital gains tax when you eventually sell the property.

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You can still make tax claims if you're actively trying to find tenants for your vacant property. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) may ask for evidence that you've been actively seeking tenants, such as online rental listings and proof of communication with a real estate agency. So, even when your property is empty, keeping records and staying engaged in tenant search efforts to claim deductions and comply with tax regulations is crucial.

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Houst: Simplifying Rental Management for Increased Revenue

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Houst is a professional rental management company that streamlines the entire process of managing rental properties. Our team of experts handles property marketing, tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance, ensuring property owners have a hassle-free experience. We use advanced analytics to set the best rental rates. Whether you have one property or a portfolio, Houst simplifies your rental journey for increased rental yields.

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