The rental market has powered through the summer period in line with seasonal expectations. Inspection numbers have been strong, enquiry levels consistent, and leasing turnaround times quick. The start of the year typically brings movement driven by lifestyle resets such as new jobs, affordability recalibration, and a renewed focus on proximity to work and convenience. That trend has played out again this year.
Our team leased a high volume of property across the past month, with well-presented homes attracting immediate engagement and strong application depth. As we move toward the cooler months, that pace will naturally moderate, but for now, conditions remain favourable for landlords. Supply remains tight, and quality stock continues to lease efficiently when priced correctly.
Policy Watch: Another Target on Property?
The Government’s ongoing conversation around Capital Gains Tax has again placed property investors directly in the frame.
It’s hard not to draw comparisons to the recent discussion around taxing unrealised gains, an idea that was quickly abandoned because it was fundamentally flawed.
The current CGT rhetoric carries a similar tone, once again singling out property investors as a taxation lever. Property is already the most heavily taxed asset classes in Australia:
- Stamp duty on acquisition
- Ongoing land tax
- Capital gains tax on disposal
- Compliance and holding costs throughout ownership
Layering additional tax pressure onto private investors risks reducing rental supply at a time when housing availability is already constrained. Housing policy does not operate in isolation. Discourage investment and the downstream impact is felt by tenants through tighter supply and rising rents. We’ll watch closely as this conversation develops, but history suggests blunt tax measures aimed at a single asset class rarely deliver balanced outcomes.
