With 30 June just around the corner, now is a good time for property investors to review their finances, organise records, and make sure everything is in shape before the financial year wraps up.

This year, there’s another reason to pay attention. The Federal Budget introduced proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax that may impact how residential property investments are treated from 1 July 2027. Existing properties are expected to be grandfathered, but if you’re considering future investments, it’s worth understanding how the changes could affect your plans.

Here are a few practical areas worth reviewing before EOFY. 

Review your rental income 

When was the last time you checked how your rental return compares to the current market? 

If your rent hasn’t been reviewed recently, it may be worth comparing it with similar properties in your area, especially given recent interest rate movements. 

You can explore comparable listings online, speak with a local real estate agent, or request a market insights report to better understand current conditions. 

Before making any rental adjustments, be sure to check the relevant rules and requirements in your state or territory, as regulations can vary.  

Take a closer look at your property expenses 

EOFY is also a useful time to review your property-related costs and compare them with previous years. This can help identify where expenses may have increased and whether there are opportunities to reassess them. 

Areas investors commonly review include: 

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

If you haven’t reviewed your investment loan recently, it may be worth checking how your current rate and loan features compare in today’s market. 

Understand which deductions may apply 

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) outlines common investment property expenses and how they may be treated for tax purposes. 

Generally, expenses fall into three categories: 

• Expenses that may be claimed immediately in the same income year, such as loan interest, council rates, repairs and maintenance, and depreciating assets costing $300 or less  
• Expenses that may be claimed over several years, including capital works, borrowing expenses, and depreciation on certain assets  
• Expenses that generally can’t be claimed, such as personal expenses, certain capital expenses, and some second-hand depreciating assets purchased after 9 May 2017

It’s important that all claims are accurate and supported by appropriate documentation. Incomplete records or misunderstanding how expenses are treated can create issues at tax time. 

Because tax outcomes can vary depending on individual circumstances, it’s always best to speak with your accountant or tax adviser before making decisions. 

Arrange a depreciation schedule 

If you don’t already have one, you may want to consider arranging a depreciation schedule through a qualified quantity surveyor. 

A depreciation schedule outlines eligible assets within your investment property and estimates how their value may decline over time. This can include items such as flooring, appliances, fittings, and fixtures, and is commonly used by accountants when preparing tax returns. 

For more detailed guidance, visit the ATO website or speak with your accountant about how depreciation may apply to your situation. 

Keep your records organised 

The ATO generally requires rental property records to be kept for at least five years, so EOFY is a good opportunity to ensure your paperwork is complete and easy to access. 

Having your records organised can help make tax preparation smoother and save time when working with your accountant. 

Digital tools such as the ATO’s myDeductions app or platforms like Xero can help keep everything stored neatly in one place. 📑✨ 

Review your finance position 

With the cash rate now sitting at 4.35% following three consecutive increases in 2026, many investors are reassessing their loan structure and finance arrangements. 

Depending on your circumstances, refinancing may help reduce interest costs or provide access to loan features better suited to your needs. 

EOFY can also be a valuable time to revisit your longer-term property and finance goals. In some cases, investors may consider whether available equity could support future opportunities, subject to lender assessment and eligibility. 

If you’d like to explore your options and understand what may suit your situation, speak with us today about your finance goals.