What is changing with capital gains?

One of the biggest Budget talking points is changes to capital gains tax (CGT) rules. Today, a 50% CGT discount applies if you hold an investment for more than 12 months. The new idea is to move away from this, and instead adjust the cost of an investment for inflation with a 30% minimum tax rate.

The changes only affect capital gains arising on or after 1 July 2027.

What this means for everyday investors and super members: For many people, staying the course and sticking to a plan will matter most. This change does not directly impact the everyday super member.

How will negative gearing change for property investors?

The Budget has also turned the spotlight on negative gearing for property investors, which will be limited to new housing from 1 July 2027 and existing investment properties purchased before 12 May 2026. With tax benefits being scaled back, some property strategies may not look quite as appealing as they used to.

But tax is only one piece of the puzzle. If the basics are solid, property can still have a place in a balanced and diversified investment portfolio.

What this means for everyday investors and super members: With negative gearing becoming more limited, some property investments may offer less of a tax boost. But that does not mean they stop being useful if they still fit your long-term plans. Importantly, this change does not directly impact the everyday super member.

What does the Budget mean for superannuation?

If tax breaks outside super become less generous over time, superannuation is likely to continue playing a big role in saving for retirement.

Super remains a tax-effective place to invest for the long-term. For some people, these Budget changes could be a helpful nudge to review how super fits into your bigger financial plans.

What this means for everyday investors and super members: The Budget contains no changes to super, which remains an important part of building wealth for retirement.

Should investors change their strategy because of the Budget?

Tax rules will change from time to time. That’s a normal part of investing. What matters most is having a clear plan, a sensible mix of investments and a long-term view.

Rather than reacting to every new headline, it may help to:

stay across rule changes that could affect you
consider what they really mean for your own situation
make careful choices that support your long-term goals.

Want the full details?

Check the Australian Government's official Budget website.

What the 2026-27 Budget means for investments, property and super