
7 Renovation Estimation Mistakes We See Too Often
April 4, 2024
Whether it's updating your home or improving the features of your rental property, a new renovation project is always an exciting undertaking. Unfortunately, it can also come with many potential pitfalls, especially if you don't have experience in this area. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Our specialists at Duo Tax are here to… ... continue reading

How Much Does a Property Valuation Cost in Australia?
March 28, 2024
Australia's property market is more volatile than ever. Whether you're a first-time property owner or a seasoned investor with a portfolio of properties, when selling or withdrawing equity from your home or investment property, partnering with industry professionals informs you of the actual value of your property amid ever-changing market conditions. But how much does… ... continue reading

Insider Tips: How to Maximise Your House Valuation in Australia
February 29, 2024
Are you an Australian homeowner or a potential one looking to make your mark in the real estate market? Whether you’re thinking about selling up, are conducting a property search to buy a home, or have a pre-sale valuation in your hand, understanding the ins and outs of your property's value is key. Feeling overwhelmed?… ... continue reading

SMSF Property Valuations: What You Need to Know
February 2, 2024
Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) have become an increasingly popular way for Australians to invest for retirement. Property is one of the main assets held in many SMSFs, making up 32% of total estimated SMSF assets as of early 2022. However, with property comes responsibility - SMSF trustees have strict compliance requirements when it comes to… ... continue reading

A Beginner’s Guide to NDIS Property Investment
January 27, 2024
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has created new opportunities for property investors looking to support disability housing while benefiting from this growing market in Australia. The NDIS provides funding for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) under its Specialist Disability Accommodation scheme. This has led to a strong demand for accessible, purpose-built dwellings catering to the… ... continue reading

What Happens After a Property Valuation in Australia
January 14, 2024
Buying or selling a home? Then you'll likely be left wondering what to do after a property valuation has been taken out. In 2020, there was a 15% increase in property valuations in Australia compared to the previous year, proving they're an integral part of the home-buying puzzle. But once you have one, what do… ... continue reading

8 Property Experts You Need On Your Investment Team
December 10, 2023
As you embark on the journey of investing in property, you'll soon realise you can’t do it alone, and the value of property experts is indispensable. The Australian property market, renowned for its stability and consistent growth, presents a promising avenue for investors. But, like any investment arena, it's not without its challenges. You're stepping… ... continue reading

Estimator vs. Quantity Surveyor: What’s the Difference?
November 30, 2023
Two key roles often need clarification in the construction industry: the estimator and the quantity surveyor. Both are crucial to successfully completing construction projects but perform different tasks. So, how do you know which professional might be the right fit for your project? Here’s what you need to know about their distinctive roles, responsibilities, and… ... continue reading

How the GST Margin Scheme Works
November 22, 2023
Selling an investment property in Australia can lead to complex GST (Goods and Services Tax) implications that many property investors overlook. Fortunately, there are certain circumstances where investors can reduce their GST liabilities. This article explores when GST applies to property sales, how the margin scheme can reduce GST liability, who qualifies for the margin… ... continue reading

How to Avoid Capital Gains Tax on Inherited Property in Australia: Expert Strategies Revealed
October 4, 2023
Dealing with property inheritance is tough, especially when it comes at a time when you’re already experiencing a loss. It’s a tricky journey with lots of red tape, and tax talk is probably the last thing you want to be juggling. But like it or not, it’s pretty crucial to get your head around capital… ... continue reading

Turning a Capital Tax Loss Deduction into an Opportunity
August 15, 2023
Selling an investment property in Australia often raises concerns about Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and how it will impact your overall profit. While there’s a lot of discussion on how to reduce capital gains liability and utilise the concessions and exemptions provided by the Australian Tax Office (ATO), relatively little conversation exists about situations where… ... continue reading

Ep.07 Understanding the Role of a Quantity Surveyor for your Construction Project ft. Quoc Duong | The Property Blueprint Podcast
August 3, 2023
Welcome back to The Property Blueprint Podcast! If you haven't already, we encourage you to explore our last week's captivating episode, where we delved into the process of achieving cost-effective and well-designed buildings, highlighting the significance of space planning and shedding light on the latest trends, including the shift towards more innovative and budget-friendly options.… ... continue reading

Ep.05 | What You NEED To Know About Landlord Insurance
July 20, 2023
The Property Blueprint Episode 5: What You Need To Know About Landlord Insurance In addition to the fascinating discussion on the podcast, we've created a brief guide on what you need to know about landlord insurance. What You Need to Know About Landlord Insurance As an insurance partner dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complex… ... continue reading

2023 Stamp Duty Law Updates NSW
June 30, 2023
The new First Home Buyers Choice scheme brings much-needed relief to NSW residents on the market for their new home who can’t necessarily afford to pay the up-front stamp duty fee. ... continue reading

EP03: What Role Financial Planning Plays In Property Investing | Property Blueprint Podcast
June 29, 2023
Episode 3: Property Blueprint Podcast In the third installment of the Property Blueprint, we have ‘Chief Money Friend’ Arkadiusz Bryl, Founder and Financial Adviser for Real Knowledge, Diverse Solutions, whose primary focus is helping individuals save more, invest better, and gain or reclaim better control over their money. Download Episode 3 What Topics Are Covered… ... continue reading

What Can You Expect From Your Investment Property’s Tax Depreciation Schedule?
May 17, 2023
Investing in property can be an excellent way to build wealth and generate passive income, but you need to remember that owning a rental property also comes with financial responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is managing your tax liability effectively, and many property investors overlook a crucial tool for doing so: depreciation. Depreciation allows you… ... continue reading

What is a Depreciation Schedule: A Beginner’s Guide
December 8, 2022
As a property investor, it's essential to be aware of all the different tools at your disposal to help maximise your returns. From leveraging equity as a means of growing your portfolio to taking advantage of negative gearing for a lower taxable income, there are many ways you can boost your returns. One often under-utilised… ... continue reading

What To Do When The Bank Valuation Is Lower Than Purchase Price
August 5, 2021
We’ve recently seen a significant rise in auctions rather than private treaties. Unfortunately, too few people go into these auctions knowing the property’s actual value and end up being caught out by a bank valuation that’s lower than the purchase price. It might sound like a nightmare scenario, but it happens. So, what if you… ... continue reading

Why You Need a Certified Practising Valuer & How to Choose One
June 7, 2021
Property valuations offer significant benefits when establishing a fair market value for your property. A certified practising valuer can help you do exactly that by undertaking independent and impartial assessments to identify your property’s value. But how does a certified practising valuer differ from property appraisers? And what qualifications do property valuers need to become… ... continue reading

Property Valuation Online vs Independent Property Valuation
June 1, 2021
In the age of digital advancements, online property valuation online has become a popular method, yet there are various types of valuations that play an essential part in real estate transactions. But what’s the difference between an online valuation and an independent valuation? An online valuation can be a helpful tool for the speed at… ... continue reading

Bank Valuation vs Market Value – What’s The Difference?
May 19, 2021
The bank valuation vs market value subject is often very confusing for property buyers. Did you know that there are two different types of valuations that could determine the value of your property? But what’s the difference? How can a property have two different values? Understanding the difference between a bank valuation and market valuation… ... continue reading

The 4 Steps to Land Tax Objection
May 18, 2021
As a property owner, you have several rights when it comes to objecting to the land tax assessment provided by the Valuer-General of your State or Territory. While land tax is an inevitable part of owning property, you shouldn’t end up paying tax on an inflated land valuation. Did you know that you can object… ... continue reading

Everything You Need to Know About Kerbside Valuations
April 23, 2021
Are you needing to have your property valued for something but have no idea where to start and which assessment to use? Property valuations play an important part in the loan application process for your investment property. Especially kerbside valuations. Why? Because property valuations can help you make the right financial decisions regarding buying, selling… ... continue reading

Fast, Reliable & Affordable Retrospective Valuation Property Services
April 22, 2021
If you’re selling your home or acquired property through inheritance, you’ll need to obtain a retrospective valuation property report. Yet, so many property investors and property owners are unaware that you need to know the current value of your property and the value on the day you acquired it. This is where a retrospective property… ... continue reading

The Ultimate Guide on Property Valuations
April 21, 2021
Property valuations are an essential part of the buying and selling process. Whether you’re in the market to buy a property or whether you’re looking to sell your current home, having a broad idea of the property’s value will help you establish: Property valuations can also help identify your tax obligations. So, it’s worthwhile understanding… ... continue reading

Capital Gains Tax Property Valuation: Why Every Investor Needs One
April 19, 2021
A capital gains tax property valuation is required by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) to calculate the capital gain you may have made on the sale of your investment property. Valuations are required for several tax reasons. For capital gains tax purposes, a valuation is used to set the cost base. But, while it is… ... continue reading

What is a Quantity Surveyor: What Do They Do and How Can They Help You? (2025)
April 17, 2021
A Quantity Surveyor advises on all aspects of construction costs, from estimating and tendering to contract administration and project management. They work with clients, architects, engineers, planners and other professionals to complete construction projects on time, within the budget and to the required quality standards. While Quantity Surveyors are essential to get construction projects done,… ... continue reading

What are Stamp Duty Valuations?
April 14, 2021
Paying stamp duty is an inevitable part of buying an investment property, and it may also be necessary to obtain stamp duty valuations. While stamp duty valuations aren’t compulsory in every property transfer circumstance, it’s worth noting when you may need to have a Property Valuer conduct a property valuation. So, we thought we’d introduce… ... continue reading

The Ultimate Build-to-Rent Guide
March 1, 2021
Currently, at least one-third of Australians live in rental homes. The statistic continues to grow in our capital cities, with at least 70% of Sydney residents renting their homes. Individual investors own most rental houses. So, unfortunately, this means that rental contracts are generally short-term, and under most contracts, landlords have the power to cancel… ... continue reading

Investment Property Tax Deductions: Save on Property Tax
January 25, 2021
As a property investor, there are several investment property taxes that you need to be aware of when dealing with investment properties. While the Australian Tax Office (ATO) affords investors various tax deduction benefits, paying investment property tax is an inevitable component of owning an investment property. For example, investors are required to pay tax… ... continue reading

The Essential 6 Tips for Property Investment for Beginners
January 15, 2021
Property investment for beginners can seem quite daunting. For example, how do you choose the right type of property? What is the home loan process, and which property investment strategy works best? The good thing is that you’ve already conquered the first step: deciding to climb the property ladder and create wealth! Now the next… ... continue reading

Why an Investment Property Depreciation Schedule Is Crucial For Every Property Investor
January 14, 2021
An investment property depreciation schedule is among the most beneficial but underused tools available for property investors to maximise their tax returns. All property investors want to pay less tax, yet 70% of investors don’t benefit from tax depreciation deductions because they don’t order an investment property depreciation schedule. Are you a property investor that… ... continue reading

5 Steps to Buying an Investment Property
December 29, 2020
Buying an investment property can be a great way to climb the property ladder and create wealth. However, one common misconception among many first-time property investors is that buying an investment property will always result in positive returns. While this could be true, it certainly doesn’t happen overnight. Not only do you need to manage… ... continue reading

Duo Tax Depreciation Report: What You Need to Know About the Schedule
December 15, 2020
Did you know that 70% of Australian investors don’t buy a tax depreciation schedule for their investment properties? Depreciation schedules are among the most effective but underused tools available to property investors to maximise their returns. When you think that depreciation is the second-highest tax deduction on your property after interest on your loan, it’s… ... continue reading

What is Rentvesting (& Is It a Good Idea)?
December 14, 2020
Are you looking to climb the property ladder but can’t afford to buy in the area where you want to live? Rentvesting could be your key to entering the property market. The ever-increasing property prices have had many new investors weighing up the issue of lifestyle versus property ownership. However, the rentvesting home-owning strategy has… ... continue reading

3 Strategies on How To Avoid Capital Gains Tax When Selling Your Investment Property
October 20, 2020
Remember when you first dived into property investing and heard about capital gains tax? It seemed like a distant concern. But now that you're considering selling your first investment property, the thought of capital gains tax slicing into your profits seems far from ideal. Fortunately, there's a silver lining. In fact, there are three ways… ... continue reading

Is Stamp Duty Tax-Deductible?
October 6, 2020
Not sure if stamp duty is tax-deductible? You’re not alone. Many first-time investors find themselves asking: is stamp duty tax-deductible? It’s not surprising because stamp duty is the one acquisition expense that is likely to poke a significant, perhaps unexpected, hole in your budget. This article will equip you with all you need to know… ... continue reading

How the Low Value Pool Deduction Can Help to Maximise Your Wealth and Deductions
September 21, 2020
The low value pool deduction is a clever strategy that lots of property investors don’t realise they can take advantage of during tax time. So what can you do to make sure that you can keep more money in your pocket? By using low value pool deductions, you can depreciate the value of your assets… ... continue reading

Capital Gains Tax Australia: How It Works on Property (& How to Avoid It)
September 7, 2020
Property investors can save thousands of dollars by simply understanding the capital gains tax property six-year rule. A capital gains tax event occurs when you sell your property, triggering the need to calculate and potentially pay CGT. Additionally, you can save money by understanding the consequences of capital gains tax (CGT) before you rent out… ... continue reading

How to Claim Airbnb Tax Deductions on your Rental Property
August 17, 2020
Airbnb tax deductions and the interpretation of how taxation laws revolve around using your property for Airbnb cause a lot of confusion, to say the least. Not only are investors keen to find out what they can claim, but they also need to understand how much they can claim and the implications of capital gains… ... continue reading

Understanding Apartment Depreciation in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide
July 15, 2019
The world of property investment can be complex, particularly when understanding tax benefits and financial strategies. One often overlooked yet significant advantage for apartment investors in Australia is the concept of depreciation. This guide breaks down the essentials of apartment depreciation, helping investors with their tax benefits and making informed decisions about their property investments. … ... continue reading

Division 40: A Guide to Plant & Equipment Depreciation
September 14, 2017
Division 40 (also known as plant & equipment, depreciating assets or capital allowance) is the category for assets that are not attached to a building but can be removed. This includes appliances and furnishings. Each plant or equipment on your property has an effective life measured in years. The tax commissioner determines the effective life… ... continue reading