REIA chief executive Amanda Lynch says the evidence is clear that both negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount is crucial to feed the supply-side pipeline at a time of a chronic under-supply of houses in Australia.
“Any alteration to the current arrangements would likely result in a need for a greater investment by the Government in social housing and could potentially increase rents - as recognised by the Henry Tax Review in 2010, which stated that the current provisions placed downward pressure on rents,” she said.
The REIA’s Pre-Budget Submission highlights eight recommendations aimed at contributing to Australia’s continuing economic development and productivity while attracting first home buyers back into the property market and improving housing affordability.
Meanwhile, Eddie Chung, partner at BDO, recently told Your Investment Property that there is a lot of passion on both sides of the negative gearing debate.
"In particular, the opponents to negative gearing argue that negative gearing encourages property investment by providing signficant tax perks that drive up housing prices, which makes home ownership inaccessable, especially to first home buyers.
Look out for Eddie's article on 'The absolute beginner's guide to Negative Gearing' in the March issue of Your Investment Property on sale the 19th of February.
