Federal budget implications for Australian property investors

In Short:
– Mike Mortlock discusses the federal budget’s negative impact on Australian property investors and housing affordability.
– He warns disincentivising investors may increase rents and hinder first-time home buyers’ ability to save.

The Property Playbook host Tim Graham speaks with Mike Mortlock from MCG Quantity Surveying about the federal budget’s impact on Australian property investors, warning the changes could make investing less attractive while putting extra pressure on renters.

With investors supplying the majority of Australia’s rental housing, concerns are growing that disincentives could drive rents even higher and make saving for a first home even harder.

The discussion also explores the government’s housing targets, with major doubts over the ability to deliver 1.2 million homes amid labour shortages, rising construction costs and planning delays.

Mortlock argues the issue is not property investors, but a system struggling to keep pace with demand and affordability challenges across the country.

New negative gearing rules are also under the spotlight, with restrictions set to apply to established properties purchased after budget night.

The changes could reshape investor behaviour, while depreciation remains a key tax advantage for those building qualifying new properties.