There has been plenty of noise recently around proposed changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing and understandably, property owners and investors are asking the same question:
“Should I be doing something now?”
My advice as one of Hervey Bay's most driven property professionals is simple: wait and see what transpires, because at the moment, nothing has changed.
There is a big difference between a proposed reform, a political announcement, a bill passing one stage of parliament and an actual law that has commenced.
Right now, the proposed changes are still working their way through the parliamentary process. Until legislation is passed and the relevant commencement dates arrive, the existing rules remain in place.
The proposed reforms relate to two major property investment settings:
1. Capital Gains Tax [CGT]
Capital gains tax, or CGT, is the tax that may apply when an asset, such as an investment property, is sold for a profit. One of the key areas being discussed is how capital gains are calculated and how much discount may apply.
2. Negative Gearing
Negative gearing generally refers to a situation in which the costs of holding an investment property, including interest and other expenses, exceed the rental income received. Under the current rules, investors may be able to offset that loss against other income (like their Salary), depending on their circumstances.
The proposed changes are politically significant because they could affect investor behaviour, future demand, rental supply, rents needing to be charged to cover costs and the way some buyers assess property investment opportunities.
However, and this is the important bit, proposed changes are not the same as current law.
No.
At this stage, property owners should not be making major financial decisions based purely on headlines, social media commentary, or political speculation.
The property market does not need more panic. It needs clear thinking.
For sellers, buyers and investors, the most important thing is to understand where things are at, watch the process unfold and seek proper tax advice before making any decision based on proposed policy changes.
The next major step is the Senate process. Once the Senate has reviewed the bill and either supports it, amends it, delays it, or blocks it, we will have a much clearer idea of what is actually likely to happen.
Until then, there are still several possible outcomes.
The changes could pass as proposed. They could be amended. They could be delayed. They could be watered down. Or parts of the proposal could end up looking quite different from what is currently being discussed.
This is why reacting too early can be risky.
In the short term, uncertainty can make some people pause.
Investors may hold off while they wait for clarity. Some sellers may wonder whether they should bring their plans forward. Some buyers may try to use the uncertainty as a negotiation tool.
But here on the Fraser Coast, the fundamentals still matter.
People still need somewhere to live. We still have lifestyle migration. We still have retirees, families, downsizers, investors, sea-changers and regional buyers looking for value. Hervey Bay and the surrounding areas are not driven solely by a single tax policy headline.
A well-priced, well-presented property will still attract interest.
An overpriced property will still struggle.
That has not changed either.
My advice is not to panic.
Do not rush to sell purely because of proposed tax changes.
Do not delay a good property decision purely because of political uncertainty.
Do not rely on Facebook comments, pub talk, or dramatic headlines to guide a six or seven-figure decision.
Instead, take a breath and look at your personal situation.
If you are thinking of selling, ask:
Is this the right time for me financially, personally and strategically?
If you are investing, ask:
Does this property still make sense based on yield, growth potential, holding costs and my long-term goals?
If you are unsure, speak to your accountant or financial adviser before making tax-related decisions.
As a property professional, my role is to help you understand the market conditions, buyer behaviour, pricing, presentation and strategy. For tax advice, always speak with a qualified accountant.
At the moment, nothing has actually changed.
Yes, proposed CGT and negative gearing reforms are being debated.
Yes, they may affect investor confidence in the short term.
Yes, we need to watch what happens in parliament.
But until the final legislation is passed and the commencement dates arrive, the current rules remain the current rules.
For now, the smartest move is to stay informed, stay calm and make decisions based on facts, not fear.
If you are considering selling or buying on the Fraser Coast and want to understand how current market conditions may affect your property, I am always happy to have a confidential conversation.
Jasmine Corrick
Real Estate Agent, Hervey Bay and Fraser Coast
Jasmine Corrick Real Estate
0409 357 337