In this latest blog post, we will take a look at some of the most important changes that are likely to impact you as a residential property owner. There are two important dates you need to note:

1. Limitation of interest deductions allowed

As from 1 October 2021:

Any interest incurred up until 30 September 2021 will be 100% deductible, but going forward a lower percentage will apply until it’s phased out completely.

As you can imagine, these changes add a layer of complexity, so if you need any help with working out how much you can and can’t deduct, please get in touch. You can also find more information on IRDs info sheet here.

Which exemptions are available?

There are a few exemptions to the rule. These include:

There is also an exemption for companies where less than 50% of their rental portfolio makes up residential property, with the majority being commercial rentals.

There’s also an exemption for property development and new builds, which we discuss in more detail below. For a complete list of these exemptions, have a look at this info sheet. 

2. Exemptions for new builds & property development

New builds and property development will be exempt from the law changes, in other words, you will still be able to deduct interest you paid from your rental income.

Property development exemption

The second exemption applies from the time you’re starting to develop the property until you either sell it or receive the code compliance certificate (CCC). After you receive the CCC, the property becomes a new build, and the next exemption will apply.

New build exemption

This exemption applies to any self-contained residential properties that received their CCC on or after 27 March 2020.

The property will be classified as a ‘new build’ for 20 years from the date it received its CCC, and the exemption includes the initial owner as well as any subsequent owners in the 20-year period.

It’s also good to hear that this rule includes prefabricated, modular, and relocated homes. Additionally, it also includes the conversion of existing houses into multiple dwellings, as well as commercial buildings that are converted into residential housing.

For more details about the property development and new build exemptions, have a look at this info sheet.

3. Changes to the bright-line property rules

The sale of property is mostly non-taxable since we do not have capital gains tax in New Zealand. However, if you sell property within a certain period, you may have to pay income tax on the gain you make. This is not new, as it was first introduced in 2015. However, this period has now been extended from 5 to 10 years.

The rules are a bit different for new builds purchased after 27 March 2021:

You can find more details about the bright-line property rules here.

What Next?

These rules can become complex and may be difficult to apply. There are lots of subtle nuances that you may not know about if you’re trying to figure it out for yourself. The notes above are guidelines and cover only the most important points.

The best thing you can do is talk with us first to help you review your unique situation and to make sure that you are treating your transactions correctly for tax purposes so you don’t get caught out with a surprise, extra tax bill to pay.