Glossary · Investment Strategy
Negative Gearing
18 August 2026 · 1 min read
Written for Buyer's Agent, Consumer/Investor
Negative gearing is when the costs of owning an investment property, including loan interest, maintenance, and fees, exceed the rental income it generates. The resulting loss can be offset against an investor's other taxable income in Australia, reducing their overall tax bill.
Negative gearing is one of the most common strategies used by Australian property investors to reduce their taxable income while building long-term equity through capital growth. Because the annual shortfall between rental income and ownership costs is tax-deductible, many investors accept a short-term cash flow loss in exchange for the tax benefit and expected long-term appreciation in property value. Buyers agents frequently model negative gearing outcomes for clients as part of broader investment strategy planning, alongside positive gearing and neutral gearing scenarios.