The Pros and Cons of Living in Your Investment Property in Australia
Investing in property can be a great way to build wealth and generate income. But what if you want to live in your investment property? Is it possible?
The answer is yes, you can live in your investment property in Australia. However, there are a few things you need to know before you make the move.
What are the Tax Implications of Living in My Investment Property?
When you live in your investment property, it becomes your principal place of residence (PPR). This means that you can no longer claim tax deductions for expenses related to the property, such as interest on the mortgage, council rates, and property taxes.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, you can still claim tax deductions for expenses that are directly related to your rental activities, such as advertising costs and cleaning fees.
You should also be aware that if you sell your investment property within six years of moving into it, you may be liable for capital gains tax. However, there are some exemptions to this rule, such as if you sell the property because you need to move for work or health reasons.
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What are the Pros and Cons of Living in My Investment Property?
There are a number of pros and cons to consider when deciding whether or not to live in your investment property.
Pros
- You can save money on rent or mortgage payments.
- You can build equity in your property faster.
- You can claim tax deductions for expenses related to your PPR.
- You can enjoy the benefits of homeownership, such as having a sense of security and stability.
Cons
- You may have to give up your rental income.
- You may have to pay capital gains tax if you sell the property within six years of moving into it.
- You may have to deal with the hassles of homeownership, such as repairs and maintenance.
How do I Convert My Investment Property into My Primary Residence?
To convert your investment property into your primary residence, you need to notify the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Here are the steps on how to convert your investment property into your primary residence in Australia:
- Notify the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You can do this by completing a change of address form on the ATO website.
- Update your home insurance. Make sure that your home insurance policy reflects that you are now living in the property.
- Change your address with your bank and other financial institutions. This will ensure that you receive important mail and statements at your new address.
- Update your driver’s license and other identification documents. This will help to avoid any confusion if you are stopped by the police or need to show identification for other purposes.
- Start claiming tax deductions for expenses related to your PPR. This includes things like interest on your mortgage, council rates, and property taxes.
It is important to note that you can only convert your investment property into your primary residence once every six years. If you sell the property within six years of moving in, you may be liable for capital gains tax.
If you have tenants in the property, you will need to give them notice to vacate. The amount of notice you need to give will depend on the state or territory where the property is located. Additionally, if you have made any improvements to the property while it was an investment property, you may need to adjust the cost base of the property for tax purposes.
It’s important to speak to your accountant about the tax implications of converting your investment property into your primary residence.
Can I Move Into My Investment Property And Rent A Part Of It?
Yes, you can move into your investment property and rent a part of it. This is known as “part-time occupancy”.
When you move into your investment property, it becomes your principal place of residence (PPR). This means that you can no longer claim tax deductions for expenses related to the property, such as interest on the mortgage, council rates, and property taxes.
However, you can still claim tax deductions for expenses that are directly related to your rental activities, such as advertising costs and cleaning fees.
You will also need to apportion your capital gains when you sell the property. This means that you will only be liable for capital gains tax on the portion of the property that was not your PPR.
The amount of the tax deductions you will be entitled to claim will depend on what portion of the property you rent out. For example, if you rent out half of the property, you will only be able to claim half of the expenses related to the property.
Considerations When Moving into Your Investment Property and Renting a Part of it
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when moving into your investment property and renting a part of it:
- You will need to make sure that the property is suitable for both living and renting. This means that you will need to provide separate living spaces for yourself and your tenants.
- You will need to comply with all relevant tenancy laws. This includes things like giving your tenants a written lease agreement and providing them with a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act.
- You will need to be prepared to deal with the hassles of being a landlord. This includes things like collecting rent, dealing with repairs, and evicting tenants if necessary.
If you are willing to put in the work, moving into your investment property and renting a part of it can be a great way to generate income and build equity in your property.
Switching Investment Loan to Owner Occupied with Odin Mortgage
If you are considering switching your investment loan to owner-occupied, Odin Mortgage can help you through the process. We have a team of experienced mortgage brokers who can assess your individual circumstances and recommend the best course of action.
Benefits of Switching an Investment Loan to Owner-Occupied Loan
Here are some of the benefits of switching an investment loan to owner-occupied with Odin Mortgage:
- You will be able to claim tax deductions for expenses related to your property, such as interest on your mortgage, council rates, and property taxes.
- You will be able to access lower interest rates, as owner-occupied loans are typically more attractive to lenders.
- You will have more flexibility with your repayments, as you will be able to make changes to your repayment schedule without penalty.
What You Need to Switch
Here are some things to keep in mind when switching an investment loan to owner-occupied:
- You will need to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for an owner-occupied loan. This typically includes having a good credit score and a stable income.
- You will need to be prepared to pay a valuation fee, as Odin Mortgage will need to have the property valued before they can issue you a new loan agreement.
- You may need to make some changes to your home insurance policy, as owner-occupied properties are typically insured differently than investment properties.
Switching an investment loan to owner-occupied with Odin Mortgage is a relatively straightforward process.
Contact us today to get started.
Get a free Australian mortgage assessment today.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can live in your investment property in Australia. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- You can only convert your investment property into your primary residence once every six years.
- If you sell the property within six years of moving into it, you may be liable for capital gains tax.
- You will no longer be able to claim tax deductions for expenses related to the property, such as interest on your mortgage, council rates, and property taxes.
- You will need to notify the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) of the change in your circumstances.
If you are considering living in your investment property, you should speak to your accountant or financial advisor to discuss the tax implications.
There are a few benefits to living in your investment property, including:
- You can save money on rent or mortgage payments.
- You can build equity in your property faster.
- You can claim tax deductions for expenses related to your PPR.
- You can enjoy the benefits of homeownership, such as having a sense of security and stability.
There are a few drawbacks to living in your investment property, including:
- You may have to give up your rental income.
- You may have to pay capital gains tax if you sell the property within six years of moving into it.
- You may have to deal with the hassles of homeownership, such as repairs and maintenance.
To convert your investment property into your primary residence, you need to notify the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You can do this by completing a change of address form on the ATO website.
Once you have notified the ATO, you will be able to claim tax deductions for expenses related to your PPR. You will also be exempt from capital gains tax if you sell the property within six years of moving into it.
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