What is Negative Gearing?

Updated: April 2026

You have probably heard the term "negative gearing" thrown around when people talk about Australian real estate, but what does it actually mean for your tax return?

1. How does Negative Gearing work?

A property is "negatively geared" when the rental income you receive from your tenants is less than the deductible expenses you pay to own and maintain the property (such as your home loan interest, council rates, and repairs).

Because your expenses are higher than your income, the property operates at a net financial loss for the year.

2. The Tax Benefit

The primary benefit of negative gearing is that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows you to deduct this rental loss against your other sources of income, such as your salary or business profits.

For example, if you earn a salary of $100,000 but your investment property generates a $10,000 loss for the year, you will only be taxed on a net income of $90,000. This can result in a significant tax refund at the end of the financial year.

Negative Gearing Tax Benefit Estimator

Use the sliders below to see how an investment property loss offsets your personal salary and reduces your tax bill. (Calculations include recent tax cuts and 2% Medicare levy).

Tax Without Property

$24,188

New Tax with Property

$20,288

Estimated Tax Saved / Refund: $3,900

3. What expenses can I claim?

To maximize your negative gearing benefits, you need to track all deductible expenses. The most common include:

  • Interest on your investment loan: (Note: You can only claim the interest portion of your loan repayments, not the principal amount).
  • Property Management fees: Fees paid to real estate agents.
  • Running costs: Council rates, water charges, land tax, and strata/body corporate fees.
  • Repairs & Maintenance: Fixing a broken pipe or replacing a damaged window.
  • Depreciation: You can claim a non-cash deduction for the gradual wear and tear of the building's structure and fixtures (like ovens and carpets) over time, usually calculated by a Quantity Surveyor.

4. Is Negative Gearing right for me?

Important Consideration

While the tax deductions are appealing, it is vital to remember that a negatively geared property is still losing money on a cash-flow basis. The strategy only works if the property's capital growth (how much the property increases in value over time) eventually outpaces the short-term financial losses you suffer while holding it.

Next Steps: Before purchasing an investment property, you should always consult with a professional. The team at Loyal Bright Accountants can help you model the potential tax savings and ensure you are claiming every eligible deduction on your tax return.

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