Negative Gearing Explained
What exactly is negative gearing? How does it work and what are the pros and cons to having a negatively geared investment property?
In a nutshell negative gearing is when a property investor borrows funds to purchase an investment property, and the cost of holding and managing that investment property is greater than the gross income the property brings in.
Costs also include tax depreciation on the property and interest charged to the loan, but not the cost of the principal (capital repayments).
In New Zealand costs incurred in earning income are generally tax deductible, so negatively geared properties afford investors certain concessions.
When to use a negative gearing strategy
If you have the funds to cover the shortfall between the cost of holding the property and the rental income, then you may be able to purchase a negatively geared property.
Negatively geared properties have certain tax benefits as detailed above.
Holding a negatively geared rental property long-term may see the investment gain capital growth, or become positively geared property if the local rental market changes. However, there are no guarantees, which is why this strategy is sometimes called speculative investing.
The very nature of negative gearing means your investment property is essentially being held at a loss.
Negative gearing requires you to have the income to make up the shortfall between the cost of holding the property and the rental income, so if this shortfall is made up of income from elsewhere this strategy may not be suited to those close to retirement or about to leave the workforce.
HOLDING A NEGATIVELY GEARED RENTAL PROPERTY LONG-TERM MAY SEE THE INVESTMENT GAIN CAPITAL GROWTH, OR BECOME A POSITIVELY GEARED PROPERTY IF THE LOCAL RENTAL MARKET CHANGES.
Conclusion
While there is much debate on whether or not positively or negatively geared investment properties are the better option for investors, the truth is there is no definite answer. Both have their merits and drawbacks, and both cash-flow structures are currently possible in both Australia and New Zealand.
Notes
It really comes down to your financial situation and the type of investment property you are considering.
There are two schools of thought – one is capital growth, the other is positive cash flow. Negative gearing probably appeals more to those looking for eventual capital growth – as some areas with promising capital growth opportunities don’t necessarily promise positive cash flow.