Rentvesting offers first-home buyers a unique way to get on the property ladder, but what about the tax implications? In this episode, we sit down with Catherine Simons, a seasoned tax accountant, to explore the nitty-gritty of how rentvesting can work in your favour financially. If you’re wondering about deductions, depreciation, and capital gains tax, you’re in the right place.

We unpack the key differences between owning a home to live in and purchasing an investment property. We also explain concepts like negative gearing and how depreciation can be a cash-flow booster—even if the property is positively geared. We cover why planning is everything, from resetting valuations to understanding which expenses you can claim now versus those that get capitalised over time.

For first-home buyers, we discuss common scenarios, like living in a property before renting it out versus renting first and moving in later. These situations come with vastly different tax rules, and Catherine shares practical tips to avoid costly mistakes. Her advice? Always keep detailed records and have the right experts guiding you.

Sure, rentvesting can be a smart strategy for entering the property market, but it’s crucial to approach it with careful planning and the right advice. And this episode highlights the importance of understanding tax rules, making informed decisions, and working with professionals to maximise benefits while avoiding costly mistakes.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:44 - Who is Catherine Simons?

03:21 - Key tax considerations for buying a home vs. an investment property

05:51 - Tax benefits and drawbacks: Owning a home vs. An investment property

10:21 - What property-related expenses can and cannot be claimed as tax deductions?

15:03 - Tax implications for first home buyers: Renting vs. Living in the property first

24:42 - Catherine’s advice for first home buyers

27:21 - Should you invest in property to lower your tax liability?

30:19 - What are the penalties for small claims on property expenses or deductions??

33:09 - Misconceptions about restructuring debt for tax-deductibility in property investment

34:59 - What to know before transitioning from rentvesting to homeownership

37:40 - How hard is it for everyday investors to find a suitable accountant?

41:43 - What Catherine wishes she knew as a first home buyer

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• WSC Group https://wscgroup.com.au/

• Your First Home Buyer Guide Episode #205: Rentvesting: What You Need to Know Before Taking the Leap https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/podcasts/205

• Your First Home Buyer Guide Episode #207: How Rentvesting Can Secure—or Sabotage—Your Financial Future https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/podcasts/207

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse

• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers

• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/

• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia

• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast [email protected]

• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au

• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au

• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/

• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

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