Today (20 December 2023) the coalition government announced that the bright-line test will be reduced to two years from 1 July 2024.
This is what Nicola Willis had to say:
"Today I am announcing our immediate decision to bring the brightline test for residential property back to two years, effective from 1 July 2024. Removing this effective capital gains tax means that properties sold after 1 July 2024 will only be subject to the rule if owned for less than two years."
At GRA we are very pleased, not only with the reduction of bright-line timeframe, but also that the government have followed through and done what they said they would.
A two-year timeframe is fairer for genuine investors, while still capturing those who are really traders but who would have liked to pose as ‘long-term investors’ in order to avoid paying tax on the capital gains they make.
We expect the definition of “sale” will likely be a binding contract, but we need to wait for the detail to be confirmed. We will keep you posted as the details come to light.
I found Matthew Gilligan’s Property 101 and Tax Structures 101 to be superb books for the following reasons: 1. They contain a wealth of information about property investing and related tax matters; 2. The commentary is very rounded and balanced; 3. They are filled with financially savvy practical tips and red flag warnings; and 4. The relatively informal style, use of short case studies and anecdotes to illustrate points, and the clarity of presentation make the books very reader friendly. The above combine to make two books that are educational, thought provoking and inspiring. I only wish I had access to this information much earlier. - Geoff W - April 2016
Gilligan Rowe and Associates is a chartered accounting firm specialising in property, asset planning, legal structures, taxation and compliance.
We help new, small and medium property investors become long-term successful investors through our education programmes and property portfolio planning advice. With our deep knowledge and experience, we have assisted hundreds of clients build wealth through property investment.
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