Interest rates change. Tax rules change. Governments change. Property cycles change.
But one principle of property investment remains remarkably consistent: what you buy and what you pay for it matters.
The 2026 Federal Budget introduced significant changes to Australia’s property investment tax settings.
From 1 July 2027, negative gearing will generally be limited to eligible new residential builds, with properties held before 7:30 pm AEST on 12 May 2026 grandfathered.
Capital gains tax arrangements are also changing, with cost-base indexation and a 30% minimum tax on real capital gains replacing the existing 50% CGT discount for many eligible taxpayers for gains accruing after 1 July 2027.
For property investors, it’s a reminder that investment conditions are never static. It could also make professional property selection more valuable.
A tax deduction should never be the primary reason for purchasing a poor-quality property.
We look at the underlying asset. That means considering location, land, rental demand, future supply, comparable sales, owner-occupier appeal and the characteristics likely to influence long-term demand.
“Buy in Perth” isn’t an investment strategy.
Perth contains hundreds of suburbs and numerous distinct property markets. A strong-performing suburb can sit beside an area experiencing very different demand.
Even within a desirable suburb, property type, street, zoning, land size and purchase price can dramatically affect the quality of an opportunity. Acquire’s role is to go deeper than the suburb name.
The new tax environment creates additional incentives for eligible new housing. That doesn’t mean every investor should automatically buy new.
Acquire can help compare the underlying property opportunities objectively. Does the new property carry a significant developer premium? Is there competing supply? How does its land component compare? What is the rental demand? Alternatively, does an established property offer scarcity, development potential or stronger owner-occupier appeal?
The tax consequences should be discussed with your adviser. The property fundamentals still need to stack up.
There’s an old property saying that you make your money when you buy. Reality is more complicated, but the purchase price certainly matters.
Paying too much affects your yield from day one and means the market has further to move before capital growth produces a meaningful return.
An experienced buyer’s agent can assess comparable sales, understand the local market and negotiate independently on your behalf.
A successful property search isn’t necessarily limited to scrolling through the major property portals.
Through agent relationships, market knowledge and proactive searching, a buyer’s agent may uncover opportunities before they’re widely marketed or properties that otherwise might not have made your shortlist.
That can be particularly valuable when quality stock is limited.
Property is unusual because it’s both an investment asset and something people can physically walk through. It’s easy to become emotionally attached.
An investor may love the kitchen, pool or view. But will tenants pay more for it? Will future buyers value it? Is it worth the premium the seller is asking?
A buyer’s agent provides an independent perspective and keeps the purchase aligned with the client’s objectives.
Different investors want different things. Some prioritise rental income. Others are prepared to accept a lower yield in pursuit of long-term growth. Others may seek land, renovation opportunities, subdivision potential or a combination of income and growth.
There isn’t one universally “best” investment property. The objective is to find a property suited to your strategy.
The 2026 Federal Budget has changed some of the assumptions Australian property investors have operated under for many years. It hasn’t changed the importance of good research.
If anything, investors considering established property may have even more reason to ensure the underlying investment makes sense without relying heavily on a tax benefit.
At Acquire Buyers Agency, our role is to help clients identify and secure quality Perth property based on research, local market knowledge, evidence and their individual purchasing objectives.
We don’t provide tax or financial advice, and we encourage investors to speak with appropriately qualified advisers about how the new rules affect them.
But when it comes to finding the property? That’s where we come in.
If you’re considering your next Perth investment property, talk to the team at Acquire Buyers Agency.
We’ll help you research the market, identify suitable opportunities and negotiate the purchase—so your decision starts with the property fundamentals.
Talk to Acquire Buyers Agency
DISCLAIMER: This article provides general information only. It does not constitute financial, taxation or investment advice. Seek independent professional advice appropriate to your individual circumstances.
SOURCE NOTE: Technical tax details should be checked against current Australian Government/Treasury guidance immediately before publication, as implementation details may change.
