Home

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Anthony Wolfenden
17 hours ago
Anthony Wolfenden

The Federal Budget has just delivered some of the biggest investment tax changes Australia has seen in decades — and if you own property or invest outside of super, it's worth paying close attention.

Here's a plain-language breakdown of what's changed and what it could mean for property investors in particular.**Capital Gains Tax is being overhauled.**The existing CGT discount system is being replaced with an inflation-adjusted approach. For property investors, this is a significant shift — the way gains are calculated and taxed on sale will change. Importantly, analysis from investment managers suggests property investments are likely to face bigger tax impacts than equities under the new regime. If you're holding investment property with a long-term view, this is worth modelling through with your adviser.**Negative gearing is being limited — but not everywhere.**Changes to negative gearing are part of this Budget, and there's nuance here that's easy to miss. Shares and commercial property appear to remain fully negative gearable under the proposed changes, and there are also exemptions being flagged around build-to-rent and affordable housing programs. The details matter here, so don't rely on headlines alone.**Trusts are in the crosshairs.**The taxation of discretionary trusts is also changing. There are some important carve-outs — including exemptions for primary production income and certain testamentary trust arrangements — that aren't getting much airtime in the media coverage. If you use a trust structure for investment or estate planning, this deserves a closer look.**What's the good news?**Superannuation remains largely unaffected by these changes, with favourable tax treatment in super funds preserved — including the continuation of franking credits. For investors who have been building wealth through super, the Budget actually reinforces the long-term value of that strategy.**What should property investors be doing right now?**These reforms are broad, and the interactions between CGT, negative gearing, and trust rules mean that the impact on any individual will depend on their specific situation. A blanket reaction — selling up or restructuring — could create more problems than it solves. The right move is to review your position with a qualified adviser who understands both the tax and investment implications.This post is general information only and not personal financial advice. Everyone's situation is different, and what applies to your neighbour may not apply to you.If you'd like to talk through how any of these changes might affect your position, feel free to reach out — I'm happy to have that conversation.Anthony Wolfenden | Authorised Representative (1242381)#FederalBudget #PropertyInvestors #TaxReform #FinancialAdvice ... See MoreSee Less

The Federal Budget has just delivered some of the biggest investment tax changes Australia has seen in decades — and if you own property or invest outside of super, its worth paying close attention. Heres a plain-language breakdown of whats changed and what it could mean for property investors in particular. **Capital Gains Tax is being overhauled.** The existing CGT discount system is being replaced with an inflation-adjusted approach. For property investors, this is a significant shift — the way gains are calculated and taxed on sale will change. Importantly, analysis from investment managers suggests property investments are likely to face bigger tax impacts than equities under the new regime. If youre holding investment property with a long-term view, this is worth modelling through with your adviser. **Negative gearing is being limited — but not everywhere.** Changes to negative gearing are part of this Budget, and theres nuance here thats easy to miss. Shares and commercial property appear to remain fully negative gearable under the proposed changes, and there are also exemptions being flagged around build-to-rent and affordable housing programs. The details matter here, so dont rely on headlines alone. **Trusts are in the crosshairs.** The taxation of discretionary trusts is also changing. There are some important carve-outs — including exemptions for primary production income and certain testamentary trust arrangements — that arent getting much airtime in the media coverage. If you use a trust structure for investment or estate planning, this deserves a closer look. **Whats the good news?** Superannuation remains largely unaffected by these changes, with favourable tax treatment in super funds preserved — including the continuation of franking credits. For investors who have been building wealth through super, the Budget actually reinforces the long-term value of that strategy. **What should property investors be doing right now?** These reforms are broad, and the interactions between CGT, negative gearing, and trust rules mean that the impact on any individual will depend on their specific situation. A blanket reaction — selling up or restructuring — could create more problems than it solves. The right move is to review your position with a qualified adviser who understands both the tax and investment implications. This post is general information only and not personal financial advice. Everyones situation is different, and what applies to your neighbour may not apply to you. If youd like to talk through how any of these changes might affect your position, feel free to reach out — Im happy to have that conversation. Anthony Wolfenden | Authorised Representative (1242381) #FederalBudget #PropertyInvestors #TaxReform #FinancialAdvice
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • likes 0
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

Anthony Wolfenden
17 hours ago
Anthony Wolfenden

Last night's federal budget landed with a thud — and if you're a property investor, small business owner, or anyone planning around superannuation, there's a lot to unpack.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers described it as the "most ambitious in decades," and for once that's not just political spin. Here are the changes that are most likely to affect savvy investors and small business owners right now:**Capital Gains Tax (CGT)**The government has proposed changes to CGT concessions. If you hold investment assets across different structures, understanding how these changes apply to each one will be important — the detail matters here.**Negative Gearing — watch this space**Proposed reforms to negative gearing arrangements are firmly on the table. If you hold investment properties or are considering expanding your portfolio, this is one to watch closely. The detail will matter enormously here, and the timing of any changes could influence your strategy before they take effect.**Trust distributions — new tax treatment**There are proposed changes to how trust distributions are taxed. For small business owners who use family trusts for income distribution, this could significantly alter the tax efficiency of that structure. Getting across the detail early gives you more time to plan.**Superannuation — largely unchanged**For most people, the superannuation rules remain largely unchanged from previous legislation. The main exception continues to be Division 296, which was already legislated and imposes an additional tax on large superannuation balances. On a more positive note, Transition to Retirement Income Streams (TRIS) are being highlighted as a potentially useful planning tool — they can be used alongside salary sacrifice to improve tax outcomes, rebalance super between spouses, and help prepare for the impact of Div 296. Speak to your adviser about whether a TRIS strategy might be relevant for your situation.**The bottom line**This budget touches property, shares, and trusts all at once — which is unusual. The complexity is real, and the interactions between these changes mean that what looks straightforward on the surface may not be once you apply it to your specific situation. These proposals also still need to pass Parliament, so timing and implementation details may shift.This is general information only and doesn't take your personal circumstances into account. For specific figures, current caps, or thresholds, visit ato.gov.au or speak with your adviser directly.If you'd like to talk through what any of this means for your situation, feel free to reach out — I'm happy to have a conversation.Anthony Wolfenden | Authorised Representative (1242381)#FederalBudget #SmallBusiness #InvestorInsights #Superannuation ... See MoreSee Less

Last nights federal budget landed with a thud — and if youre a property investor, small business owner, or anyone planning around superannuation, theres a lot to unpack. Treasurer Jim Chalmers described it as the most ambitious in decades, and for once thats not just political spin. Here are the changes that are most likely to affect savvy investors and small business owners right now: **Capital Gains Tax (CGT)** The government has proposed changes to CGT concessions. If you hold investment assets across different structures, understanding how these changes apply to each one will be important — the detail matters here. **Negative Gearing — watch this space** Proposed reforms to negative gearing arrangements are firmly on the table. If you hold investment properties or are considering expanding your portfolio, this is one to watch closely. The detail will matter enormously here, and the timing of any changes could influence your strategy before they take effect. **Trust distributions — new tax treatment** There are proposed changes to how trust distributions are taxed. For small business owners who use family trusts for income distribution, this could significantly alter the tax efficiency of that structure. Getting across the detail early gives you more time to plan. **Superannuation — largely unchanged** For most people, the superannuation rules remain largely unchanged from previous legislation. The main exception continues to be Division 296, which was already legislated and imposes an additional tax on large superannuation balances. On a more positive note, Transition to Retirement Income Streams (TRIS) are being highlighted as a potentially useful planning tool — they can be used alongside salary sacrifice to improve tax outcomes, rebalance super between spouses, and help prepare for the impact of Div 296. Speak to your adviser about whether a TRIS strategy might be relevant for your situation. **The bottom line** This budget touches property, shares, and trusts all at once — which is unusual. The complexity is real, and the interactions between these changes mean that what looks straightforward on the surface may not be once you apply it to your specific situation. These proposals also still need to pass Parliament, so timing and implementation details may shift. This is general information only and doesnt take your personal circumstances into account. For specific figures, current caps, or thresholds, visit ato.gov.au or speak with your adviser directly. If youd like to talk through what any of this means for your situation, feel free to reach out — Im happy to have a conversation. Anthony Wolfenden | Authorised Representative (1242381) #FederalBudget #SmallBusiness #InvestorInsights #Superannuation
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • likes 0
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

Anthony Wolfenden
2 days ago
Anthony Wolfenden

🏠 THE 2026 BUDGET & PROPERTY INVESTORS: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

— A note from a financial adviser and fellow investorWell, the Treasurer has delivered what he's calling "the most significant tax reform package in more than a quarter of a century." If you're a property investor — or thinking about becoming one — this budget deserves your full attention. Let me cut through the noise.✅ THE GOODExisting investors, breathe easy — your current properties are fully grandfathered. Any investment property purchased before 7:30pm last Tuesday is completely unaffected. Negative gearing continues as normal, and your CGT discount remains intact. No retrospective changes. That's a meaningful protection and frankly, better than many feared.There's also a genuine incentive preserved for new builds. Investors who construct new residential properties can still access the 50% CGT discount or choose the new indexation model — whichever works in their favour. If you've been considering a new build investment, this keeps that conversation very much alive.And the CGT indexation model? In high-inflation environments, you could actually end up paying less tax than under the old 50% flat discount. That's not something the headlines are saying loudly enough.⚠️ THE BADAny NOT new investment property purchased after budget night will lose access to negative gearing. New builds, on the other hand, may keep negative gearing to incentivise new construction. This is a fundamental shift in the economics of buying an established investment property. The tax deductibility that has underpinned many investors' cash flow strategies for decades is gone for those purchases.The new 30% minimum CGT tax from 1 July 2027 also removes a key timing strategy. Many investors have structured their exit plans around selling in a low-income year to minimise tax. That lever is being pulled away.For those holding discretionary trusts, a new 30% minimum tax kicks in from 1 July 2028. If your investment structure relies on income splitting through a family trust, you need to be sitting down with your accountant now — not later.Treasury also projects 35,000 fewer homes built over the next decade as investor appetite softens. Less supply puts upward pressure on prices in the medium term, which is an ironic outcome for a policy designed to help affordability.😬 THE UGLYLet's be honest: the rental market is the collateral damage here. Reduced investor participation means reduced rental supply. Treasury's own modelling suggests rents rise only $2/week — but I'd treat that estimate with some healthy scepticism. Markets move at the margins, and a meaningful pullback in investor demand in already-tight rental markets could sting renters far more than that figure implies.For prospective investors sitting on the fence right now, the window to buy under the old rules has already closed. If you were 6–12 months away from pulling the trigger on an established investment property, that decision just got significantly harder to justify on the numbers.So what should you do?Review your existing portfolio — no immediate action needed, but understand your future CGT position under indexation.If new builds were on your radar, move them to the top of the list — the favourable treatment for new construction is real.Trust structures need an urgent review — the 2028 changes are closer than they feel.Don't panic-sell — grandfathered properties remain valuable assets. Don't let the noise drive poor decisions.The rules of the game have changed. Property investment is definitely not dead — but the strategy needs to evolve. That's exactly what we're here to help you navigate.📩 Questions? Drop me a message or book a call. These changes are complex and the right answer is different for everyone.#PropertyInvestment #AustralianBudget2026 #TaxPlanning #FinancialAdvice #NegativeGearing #CGT #WealthBuilding ... See MoreSee Less

Call Now

🏠 THE 2026 BUDGET & PROPERTY INVESTORS: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY — A note from a financial adviser and fellow investor Well, the Treasurer has delivered what hes calling the most significant tax reform package in more than a quarter of a century. If youre a property investor — or thinking about becoming one — this budget deserves your full attention. Let me cut through the noise. ✅ THE GOOD Existing investors, breathe easy — your current properties are fully grandfathered. Any investment property purchased before 7:30pm last Tuesday is completely unaffected. Negative gearing continues as normal, and your CGT discount remains intact. No retrospective changes. Thats a meaningful protection and frankly, better than many feared. Theres also a genuine incentive preserved for new builds. Investors who construct new residential properties can still access the 50% CGT discount or choose the new indexation model — whichever works in their favour. If youve been considering a new build investment, this keeps that conversation very much alive. And the CGT indexation model? In high-inflation environments, you could actually end up paying less tax than under the old 50% flat discount. Thats not something the headlines are saying loudly enough. ⚠️ THE BAD Any NOT new investment property purchased after budget night will lose access to negative gearing. New builds, on the other hand, may keep negative gearing to incentivise new construction. This is a fundamental shift in the economics of buying an established investment property. The tax deductibility that has underpinned many investors cash flow strategies for decades is gone for those purchases. The new 30% minimum CGT tax from 1 July 2027 also removes a key timing strategy. Many investors have structured their exit plans around selling in a low-income year to minimise tax. That lever is being pulled away. For those holding discretionary trusts, a new 30% minimum tax kicks in from 1 July 2028. If your investment structure relies on income splitting through a family trust, you need to be sitting down with your accountant now — not later. Treasury also projects 35,000 fewer homes built over the next decade as investor appetite softens. Less supply puts upward pressure on prices in the medium term, which is an ironic outcome for a policy designed to help affordability. 😬 THE UGLY Lets be honest: the rental market is the collateral damage here. Reduced investor participation means reduced rental supply. Treasurys own modelling suggests rents rise only $2/week — but Id treat that estimate with some healthy scepticism. Markets move at the margins, and a meaningful pullback in investor demand in already-tight rental markets could sting renters far more than that figure implies. For prospective investors sitting on the fence right now, the window to buy under the old rules has already closed. If you were 6–12 months away from pulling the trigger on an established investment property, that decision just got significantly harder to justify on the numbers. So what should you do? Review your existing portfolio — no immediate action needed, but understand your future CGT position under indexation. If new builds were on your radar, move them to the top of the list — the favourable treatment for new construction is real. Trust structures need an urgent review — the 2028 changes are closer than they feel. Dont panic-sell — grandfathered properties remain valuable assets. Dont let the noise drive poor decisions. The rules of the game have changed. Property investment is definitely not dead — but the strategy needs to evolve. Thats exactly what were here to help you navigate. 📩 Questions? Drop me a message or book a call. These changes are complex and the right answer is different for everyone. #PropertyInvestment #AustralianBudget2026 #TaxPlanning #FinancialAdvice #NegativeGearing #CGT #WealthBuilding
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • likes 0
  • Shares: 1
  • Comments: 0

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

Anthony Wolfenden
2 days ago
Anthony Wolfenden

It's hard to remember the last time global headlines moved markets this fast — and this unpredictably.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the situation involving Iran, has been a sharp reminder that geopolitical risk doesn't stay on the front page of newspapers — it finds its way into portfolios. What started the year as a period of relative calm has shifted considerably, and investors are now navigating a much more uncertain landscape.On the equity side, we've seen how quickly sentiment can swing. April delivered a powerful rally in global equities — driven largely by a rotation back into AI and technology stocks and a strong US corporate earnings season — but that recovery has masked some real underlying tension. Markets can look through geopolitical turbulence for a while, but when that turbulence starts to affect inflation expectations, energy prices, and central bank thinking, the calculus changes.That's exactly where fixed income becomes interesting again. The Iranian conflict, and broader instability in the Middle East, has reignited questions around oil supply, inflationary pressures, and global growth momentum. These are precisely the conditions where bonds and fixed interest assets can play a meaningful diversifying role — not because they're immune to volatility, but because the drivers of their returns are different from equities. When investors become genuinely fearful, the flight to quality is real, and fixed interest can behave quite differently to share markets.That said, fixed income isn't a simple safe haven right now either. Rising inflation expectations can weigh on bond prices, and the path for interest rates globally remains genuinely uncertain. This is a market where active management and thoughtful positioning within fixed income — thinking carefully about duration, credit quality, and geographic exposure — matters more than simply ticking a "defensive" box.The broader point I keep coming back to is this: the era of set-and-forget portfolio construction feels well and truly behind us. The new geopolitical order — fragmented alliances, resource nationalism, persistent inflationary pressures — looks like it could be a structural shift, not just a passing headline cycle. That has real implications for how portfolios should be built and maintained over the medium to long term.For clients, the most useful thing you can do right now is not panic, but also not ignore the signals. A well-diversified portfolio that genuinely balances growth and defensive assets, reviewed in the context of your personal goals, is still the most resilient response to uncertainty.If any of this has you thinking about your own investment mix — whether that's your exposure to equities, how your fixed interest allocation is positioned, or just wanting a second opinion — I'd love to have that conversation.Reach out anytime. That's what I'm here for.Anthony WolfendenAuthorised Representative | Intertek Financial Planning*This post is general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Please consider your own circumstances or speak with a licensed adviser before making investment decisions.*#Investing #GeopoliticalRisk ... See MoreSee Less

Its hard to remember the last time global headlines moved markets this fast — and this unpredictably. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the situation involving Iran, has been a sharp reminder that geopolitical risk doesnt stay on the front page of newspapers — it finds its way into portfolios. What started the year as a period of relative calm has shifted considerably, and investors are now navigating a much more uncertain landscape. On the equity side, weve seen how quickly sentiment can swing. April delivered a powerful rally in global equities — driven largely by a rotation back into AI and technology stocks and a strong US corporate earnings season — but that recovery has masked some real underlying tension. Markets can look through geopolitical turbulence for a while, but when that turbulence starts to affect inflation expectations, energy prices, and central bank thinking, the calculus changes. Thats exactly where fixed income becomes interesting again. The Iranian conflict, and broader instability in the Middle East, has reignited questions around oil supply, inflationary pressures, and global growth momentum. These are precisely the conditions where bonds and fixed interest assets can play a meaningful diversifying role — not because theyre immune to volatility, but because the drivers of their returns are different from equities. When investors become genuinely fearful, the flight to quality is real, and fixed interest can behave quite differently to share markets. That said, fixed income isnt a simple safe haven right now either. Rising inflation expectations can weigh on bond prices, and the path for interest rates globally remains genuinely uncertain. This is a market where active management and thoughtful positioning within fixed income — thinking carefully about duration, credit quality, and geographic exposure — matters more than simply ticking a defensive box. The broader point I keep coming back to is this: the era of set-and-forget portfolio construction feels well and truly behind us. The new geopolitical order — fragmented alliances, resource nationalism, persistent inflationary pressures — looks like it could be a structural shift, not just a passing headline cycle. That has real implications for how portfolios should be built and maintained over the medium to long term. For clients, the most useful thing you can do right now is not panic, but also not ignore the signals. A well-diversified portfolio that genuinely balances growth and defensive assets, reviewed in the context of your personal goals, is still the most resilient response to uncertainty. If any of this has you thinking about your own investment mix — whether thats your exposure to equities, how your fixed interest allocation is positioned, or just wanting a second opinion — Id love to have that conversation. Reach out anytime. Thats what Im here for. Anthony Wolfenden Authorised Representative | Intertek Financial Planning *This post is general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Please consider your own circumstances or speak with a licensed adviser before making investment decisions.* #Investing #GeopoliticalRisk
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • likes 0
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

Anthony Wolfenden
2 days ago
Anthony Wolfenden

Mortgage holders have been carrying the weight of inflation control for too long — and it's worth asking whether there's a better way.

I came across a really interesting conversation recently with independent economist Chris Richardson, and it got me thinking. The basic question he raises is a simple but powerful one: why do we only ever reach for interest rates when we need to cool the economy? Every time inflation runs hot, the Reserve Bank lifts rates, repayments go up, and the same group of people — those with mortgages — bear almost all the pain. Meanwhile, renters, retirees, and people without debt feel a completely different version of the economy. And through all of this, the big banks have been posting record profits. That part is hard to ignore.So what are the alternatives? Richardson explores a couple of genuinely interesting ideas. One is using compulsory superannuation contributions as a lever — increasing the rate temporarily to pull money out of the economy and reduce spending pressure. Another is adjusting the GST, which would spread the financial impact more broadly across the population rather than concentrating it on borrowers. Neither idea is without complications, but the point is that we have more tools than we seem willing to use.From a financial planning perspective, this conversation matters because it highlights something we don't talk about enough — the uneven way economic policy lands on individuals. Depending on where you sit (homeowner, renter, retiree, business owner), your experience of "the economy" can look completely different. And that means your financial strategy needs to reflect your actual situation, not just the headlines.It also raises a worthwhile personal question: how exposed are you to interest rate risk right now? Is your cash flow resilient enough to absorb further changes if they come? And are there parts of your financial structure — savings, debt, investment mix — that could be working harder regardless of what the RBA does next?These are the kinds of conversations I find genuinely valuable to have with clients, because the answers are different for everyone.If any of this resonates and you'd like to think through how the current environment affects your own position, feel free to reach out. Happy to have a no-pressure chat.Anthony | Intertek Financial Planning*This post is general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Please consider your own circumstances or speak with a qualified adviser before making financial decisions.* ... See MoreSee Less

Mortgage holders have been carrying the weight of inflation control for too long — and its worth asking whether theres a better way. I came across a really interesting conversation recently with independent economist Chris Richardson, and it got me thinking. The basic question he raises is a simple but powerful one: why do we only ever reach for interest rates when we need to cool the economy? Every time inflation runs hot, the Reserve Bank lifts rates, repayments go up, and the same group of people — those with mortgages — bear almost all the pain. Meanwhile, renters, retirees, and people without debt feel a completely different version of the economy. And through all of this, the big banks have been posting record profits. That part is hard to ignore. So what are the alternatives? Richardson explores a couple of genuinely interesting ideas. One is using compulsory superannuation contributions as a lever — increasing the rate temporarily to pull money out of the economy and reduce spending pressure. Another is adjusting the GST, which would spread the financial impact more broadly across the population rather than concentrating it on borrowers. Neither idea is without complications, but the point is that we have more tools than we seem willing to use. From a financial planning perspective, this conversation matters because it highlights something we dont talk about enough — the uneven way economic policy lands on individuals. Depending on where you sit (homeowner, renter, retiree, business owner), your experience of the economy can look completely different. And that means your financial strategy needs to reflect your actual situation, not just the headlines. It also raises a worthwhile personal question: how exposed are you to interest rate risk right now? Is your cash flow resilient enough to absorb further changes if they come? And are there parts of your financial structure — savings, debt, investment mix — that could be working harder regardless of what the RBA does next? These are the kinds of conversations I find genuinely valuable to have with clients, because the answers are different for everyone. If any of this resonates and youd like to think through how the current environment affects your own position, feel free to reach out. Happy to have a no-pressure chat. Anthony | Intertek Financial Planning *This post is general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Please consider your own circumstances or speak with a qualified adviser before making financial decisions.*
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • likes 0
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

Load more
Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress