New modelling released today shows that those living in the nation’s poorest suburbs are most likely to have negatively-geared investment properties.
Residents of Toorak in Melbourne’s inner suburbs are the highest users of negative gearing, yet their taxable income last year was just $82.50. In Mosman, on Sydney’s north shore, the taxable income is just $17.92, but households here rely heavily on the negative gearing scheme too.
“When you look at negative gearing through the lens of social welfare, as this modelling suggests you should, then I think we get a very different picture of its importance to Australia,” a spokesperson for the Landlord’s Association said. “In light of these figures, it would be socially irresponsible for the Government to cut back on negative gearing concessions”.
Toorak residents were surprised by the findings. “What idiot lets his taxable income get to $82.50?”one Toorak man said. “Clearly some people need better accountants”.
