Renting out a property that you own while paying rent to live somewhere else initially seems like a strange thing to do. But “rent vesting” is becoming more and more common, which is due to a mix of financial and lifestyle factors.
Why would you do it?
Gaining entry into the housing market is a key benefit of rent vesting. While 66% of Australian homes are owner-occupied, the percentage for people under the age of 35 is much lower at 50%.
Young adults are increasingly choosing to live with their parents, helping out with a little bit of board while also using a tenant to help pay off an investment property. It might make it possible to buy a house or invest in real estate more quickly than would otherwise be possible.
More and more “rent vestors” are renting homes in desirable suburbs where they can’t afford to buy while investing in a less desirable but potentially more profitable area. The variation in rental yields is what is causing this trend. In comparison to yields of over 6% offered in more affordable suburbs, rents in desirable neighborhoods typically run as low as 2%.
In the opposite circumstance, some people choose to rent inexpensively while purchasing a more expensive property, frequently in the hope that the investment property will experience a faster rate of capital growth.
Then there are those who want or need to move frequently but still want the security that owning a home can bring.
You’ll make it work if you want to.
Despite how appealing the lifestyle advantages may be, rent vesting must also be financially viable. You must be able to afford your rent as well as any net costs associated with your investment property, at the very least.
Long-term, rent vesting also aims to put you in a better financial position than you would be in otherwise, so it’s important to understand the real estate market and form an opinion on price trends.
Additionally, there are a number of tax considerations to keep in mind, both good and bad:
- If the expenses for your investment property (interest payments, council rates, insurance, agent fees, etc.) exceed the rental income, or if the property is negatively geared, you may be able to claim a tax deduction against your earned income.
- Any excess of rental income over expenses is taxed at your marginal tax rate.
- You must use your after-tax income to pay the rent on the home you currently reside in.
- While a profit from the sale of a primary residence is tax-free, any profit from the sale of a rental property is subject to capital gains tax.
Please visit the ATO for further advice or seek advice from your licensed Accountant
Is it suitable for you?
Do you like the thought of enjoying the sea views from your rented home while a tenant settles the mortgage on your prime investment in a burgeoning neighborhood? It might be worth investigating. Just make sure you comprehend the idea completely. Although they might not offer advice on direct real estate investment, your financial advisor can serve as a sounding board to make sure you have everything covered.
For any rent vesting advice or to enquire about a one-on-one with Suzana Wade from Locate Property, contact us today.