Safe as Houses: Stop Press!

Mar 8, 2018
Revenue Minister Stuart Nash has confirmed the bright-line test on residential property sales will be extended from two years to five years. At present, income tax must be paid on any gains from residential property sold within two years of acquisition, with some exceptions (such as the family home). The extension means that profits from residential investment properties bought and sold within five years will generally be taxable.

To make this happen, changes to law are currently making their way through Parliament. It is expected these will receive Royal Assent in March. And it is expected that this will affect properties acquired on or after the date of Royal Assent.

We will have more for you on this when the legislation passes. Meanwhile, if you are in the process of entering into sale and purchase agreements to acquire property, please give priority to discussing the tax implications with us.