Get EOFY ready as a property investor

30 June is fast approaching. For property investors, now is the time to review your position and get records in order before the financial year closes.

This year there’s an added reason to take stock. The Federal Budget introduced changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax. These changes will affect how residential property investments are treated from 1 July 2027. Existing properties are grandfathered, but if you’re planning your next move, it’s worth knowing the details.

Here are the key areas to review before 30 June.

Review your rental income

When did you last review your rental return?

If it hasn’t changed for a while, check how it compares to similar properties in your area. This is especially worth doing given recent rate changes.

Research comparable listings online or speak with a local real estate agent to get a sense of current market conditions. We can also provide a market insights report if that’s helpful.

Before making any changes, make sure you understand the rules around rental increases, as these can vary.

Review your property expenses

Take a closer look at your property-related expenses and how they compare to previous years. This helps you understand where your costs sit and whether you can reduce them.

Common areas investors review include:

• Property management fees
• Advertising or leasing costs
• Repairs and maintenance services
• Insurance premiums
• Accounting fees
• Loan structure and interest rate

If you haven’t reviewed your investment loan recently, we can help you see how it compares in the current market.

Consider which deductions apply to you

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) lists common investment property expenses on its website. These fall into three categories:

• Expenses you can claim immediately, such as interest on loans, council rates, repairs and maintenance, and depreciating assets costing $300 or less
• Expenses you claim over several years, such as capital works, borrowing expenses, and the decline in value of depreciating assets
• Expenses you cannot claim, such as personal expenses, some capital expenses, and second-hand depreciating assets purchased after 9 May 2017

Make sure your claims are accurate and your records support them. Common issues include inaccurate claims, incomplete records, and uncertainty about how the ATO treats certain expenses.

Tax timing can also differ depending on your circumstances. Talk to your accountant or tax adviser before making any decisions.

Get a depreciation schedule

If you don’t have one yet, consider getting a depreciation schedule prepared by a qualified quantity surveyor.

A depreciation schedule outlines the value of your property’s assets and how they decline over time. This covers items like flooring, appliances, fittings, and fixtures. Accountants use it when assessing depreciation-related tax treatments.

Visit the ATO website or speak with your accountant for more information.

Get your records in order

Keep rental property records for at least five years. Having everything ready for your accountant makes tax preparation much easier.

Digital tools make this simple. The ATO’s myDeductions app and software like Xero let you store everything in one place.

Review your finance

The cash rate now sits at 4.35% after three consecutive rises in 2026. This makes it a good time to review your loan structure.

Refinancing could reduce your interest costs or give you access to features that better suit your needs. This depends on lender options and your individual situation.

The EOFY is also a good time to revisit your longer-term property and finance goals. Some borrowers look at whether existing equity could support future borrowing, subject to lender assessment.

If you want to talk through your options, get in touch today.