Negative gearing
When your rental loses money on paper, the loss cuts your taxable income.
Negative gearing happens when the deductible expenses on an investment property (loan interest, rates, insurance, repairs, depreciation) add up to more than the rental income it brings in. The loss isn't quarantined - the ATO lets you offset it against your other taxable income for the year (most commonly your salary), which lowers the tax you pay. Investors use it as a strategy to hold growth-focused properties through years of low net cashflow on the assumption capital growth will more than make up for the running loss. The tax saving is whatever your marginal rate is multiplied by the loss, not the full loss amount.
Worked example
You earn $5,000 rent but incur $7,000 in interest plus expenses. The $2,000 loss reduces your taxable employment income by $2,000, saving roughly $740 tax at the 37% marginal rate.
Related terms
Try the calculator
Track this in Vestly
Vestly tracks cashflow, tax savings, CGT, depreciation, and yield across every property you own. Own it for $99 once (no subscription, unlimited properties), or pay $9.90 a property each month.
Start free trial7-day free trial, cancel anytime. We email you before billing.