Ownership Structures & Strategy
Investment Property Options
The right property type is only half the decision. How you hold it, and the strategy behind it, matters just as much.
Book a Strategy CallProperty Type Is Only Half The Decision
Structure & Strategy, Not Just Bricks And Mortar
If you’re weighing up house and land, apartments, townhouses or duplexes, that’s a question of property type — explore those on our Investment Properties For Sale page. This page is about the decisions that sit underneath that choice: who owns the property, how it’s geared, and whether new or established property fits your strategy.
Start with your end goal in mind — then match the structure and strategy to it.
Who Can Own The Property
Ownership Structures
Property can be held a number of ways, each with different implications for tax, asset protection, borrowing and flexibility.
Personal Name(s)
The simplest and most common structure — in your own name, or jointly with a partner. Straightforward to set up and finance.
Joint Names & Tenants In Common
Ownership can be split between parties in different proportions, which can matter for income, tax and estate planning purposes.
Trust
A family or discretionary trust can offer flexibility in how rental income and future capital gains are distributed, along with some asset protection benefits.
Self-Managed Super Fund
Property can be held inside your own SMSF under specific rules and lending conditions.
Explore SMSF PropertyThe right structure depends on your income, goals, family situation and existing arrangements. We recommend confirming your position with your accountant, financial adviser or solicitor before deciding how to hold an investment property.
Cash Flow vs Tax Position
Negatively Geared Or Positively Geared?
Neither approach is inherently “better” — the appropriate strategy depends on your income, cash flow tolerance, borrowing capacity and objectives.
Negative Gearing
This is where a property’s holding costs — loan interest, rates, insurance, management and maintenance — exceed the rental income it earns. Depending on your circumstances, that shortfall may be tax-deductible.
Investors who take this approach are typically relying on capital growth over time, rather than rental income, to build wealth from the property.
Positive Gearing
This is where rental income exceeds the property’s holding costs, providing an ongoing income stream rather than an ongoing cost — often with fewer tax deductions available as a trade-off.
This approach can support serviceability for further borrowing, but the numbers still need to stack up on their own merits, not just because the property is cash flow positive.
Depreciation, Maintenance & Land Value
New Property vs Established Property
Both can be appropriate investments — the right choice depends on your strategy, not a blanket rule.
New / Off-The-Plan
Modern specifications, generally lower near-term maintenance, and eligible investors may be able to claim depreciation deductions.
Negative Gearing ChangesEstablished Property
Often a higher land-to-asset ratio and renovation or subdivision potential, typically with fewer depreciation deductions and higher maintenance costs.
House & Land / Duplex
Combines a new dwelling with a land component — see our House & Land Packages for growth-corridor opportunities.
Explore House & LandBefore You Decide On A Structure
Start With Your Reasons Why
Financial security, lifestyle choice or generational wealth — successful investors are clear on which one they’re working towards before they choose a structure or strategy. We put together a short worksheet to help you get clear on yours.
Which Option Is Right For You?
Identifying the right combination of structure and strategy is exactly what a Strategy Call is for.
Not Sure Which Structure Or Strategy Fits You?
Let’s Work Out What’s Right For Your Circumstances
Tell us your goals, budget and existing position, and we’ll help you identify the structure and strategy to build your investment around — before we talk about which property to buy.
Book a Strategy CallCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy property, or invest in property?
They sound similar, but the mindset is different. Buying a property is a transaction — investing in property is a strategy, built around your goals, timeframe and financial position first. See our article on Strategy Before Property for more on why we start there.
Should I invest in a property in my own name or through a trust?
It depends on your income, family situation, asset protection needs and long-term plans. There’s no single right answer — this is a conversation to have with your accountant or financial adviser alongside your property investment strategy.
Can I invest in property through my super fund?
Yes, through a Self-Managed Super Fund, subject to specific borrowing and compliance rules. See our dedicated SMSF Investment Property site for more detail.
Is negative gearing or positive gearing better?
Neither is universally better. It depends on your income, cash flow needs, borrowing capacity and what you’re trying to achieve. We help you assess which approach fits your circumstances. Read more: Why Negative Gearing Still Strongly Favours New Build Investment Properties.
Is a new property always a better investment than an established one?
Not necessarily. New property can offer depreciation benefits and lower near-term maintenance, while established property can offer land value and renovation potential. The right fit depends on your strategy. See our article on Negative Gearing Changes for more.
Where can I see what types of property are available to invest in?
Visit our Investment Properties For Sale page for house and land, apartments, townhouses, duplexes, Co-Living and commercial property.
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