Has Labor’s tax reform killed ‘rent-vesting’ for young Australians seeking a foothold in the housing market?

Changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing will make the strategy of renting in a preferred area while buying a cheaper property elsewhere less attractive, experts say

• Explore all of our 2026 Australia federal budget coverage

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Rent-vesting – a popular strategy used by young Australians to save for their first home – could be killed off by Labor’s tax changes on investment properties, experts warn.

Renters have used the strategy to keep living in their preferred area while buying a cheaper property elsewhere, hoping it will rise in price so they can sell and put the profits towards their first home.