12/05/2026
Interesting times ahead for the Australian property market.
Australia’s proposed Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) changes in brief:
1. Existing investment properties are likely to keep current negative gearing benefits.
2. From 2027, investors buying existing homes may not be able to claim rental losses against salary income.
3. Tax benefits may continue for newly built properties to encourage more housing supply.
4. The current 50% CGT discount may change to an inflation-based system.
5. Existing investors may still keep tax benefits on gains made before the changes.
6. First-home buyers may benefit because there could be less competition from investors.
7. The government believes more Australians could afford to buy homes over time.
8. Builders and developers may benefit from continued support for new housing projects.
9. Property investors who depend on tax deductions may be affected the most.
10. Some experts believe rents could increase if fewer investors buy properties.
11. Critics say the changes may reduce investment in the property market.
12. Supporters say the current system mainly benefits wealthy investors.
13. The goal is to make housing more affordable and reduce speculation.
14. These reforms could significantly change Australia’s property market in the coming years.
At the moment:
The reforms are government policy proposals announced in the budget.
The implementation date is planned for 1 July 2027.
Existing properties purchased before budget night are expected to be “grandfathered” under current rules.
Parliament still needs to debate and approve the legislation.
The Coalition has already signalled opposition to some of the changes, so there could still be amendments or delays.