Smart End-of-Financial-Year Tax Tips for Property Investors

Tax time might not be your favourite season — but for property investors, it’s a valuable opportunity to tidy up your finances, maximise your deductions, and plan ahead for the new financial year.

Below are some practical tax tips to help you make the most of your investment property this EOFY.

1. Understand What Rental Expenses You Can Claim

As a rule of thumb, if you’ve spent money to earn rental income (and kept good records), you may be able to claim it as a tax deduction.

The ATO breaks down rental property expenses into three categories:

Immediate deductions: Expenses claimable in the same income year — like loan interest, council rates, pest control, repairs and maintenance, and low-cost assets under $300.
Deductions over time: Capital works, borrowing expenses, and depreciation of assets spread over several years.
Non-claimable costs: Personal expenses (if you live in the property) or certain second-hand assets bought after 9 May 2017.

2. Split Expenses Correctly for Part-Time Rentals

If your property is listed on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, or only partly rented out (like a spare room), you’ll need to divide your expenses accurately between private and income-producing use.

Incorrectly apportioning these can mean lost deductions or over-claiming — which could lead to issues at tax time. Refer to the ATO’s rental guide for clear instructions, or chat with your tax advisor.

3. Claim Long-Term Deductions Properly

Not all expenses can be claimed upfront — but don’t overlook them:

Borrowing costs: Such as loan setup fees can be spread over five years or the life of the loan (whichever is shorter).
Capital improvements: Major renovations, structural changes, or upgrades may qualify for capital works deductions claimed over several years.
Depreciating assets: Items like carpet, blinds, or appliances lose value over time. A qualified quantity surveyor can create a depreciation schedule to help you claim these accurately.

4. Complete Repairs Before 30 June

Planning repairs? It pays to act before the EOFY deadline. Eligible repairs completed before 30 June — like fixing a leaking tap, replacing a faulty heater, or doing pest control — can be claimed this financial year.

5. Include Loan and Insurance Costs

Most finance costs linked to your investment property are deductible. This can include:

Interest paid on your investment loan
Ongoing account-keeping or loan service fees
Insurance premiums (building, landlord, contents, rental loss)

Be sure to keep all related records to support your claims.

✅ EOFY Checklist for Property Investors

Review which expenses are claimable immediately or spread over time
Apportion costs for part-time or partial-use properties
Finalise repairs and maintenance before 30 June
Include all eligible borrowing costs and insurance premiums
Keep clear, up-to-date records and receipts

Ready to Get the Most from Your Investment This Financial Year?

The information above is general — always speak to your tax professional for advice tailored to you.

If you’d like help reviewing your current loan, planning for your next purchase, or refinancing to maximise your cash flow, our team is here to help.