The Property Couch TPC Gold | Should You Buy Property in a Trust or Your Own Name?
Nov 18, 2025
Bryce and Ben tackle the intriguing question of whether to buy property in a trust or under your own name. They explain different trust types and their roles, highlighting benefits like asset protection and tax flexibility. However, they also outline potential downsides, such as trapped losses and lending limits. The hosts emphasize the importance of personalized advice, sharing their own experiences and structures. Listeners are cautioned about changing regulations that could impact trust benefits, making informed decisions crucial.
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Prefer Personal Names For Early Buys
- Avoid using trusts for early property purchases unless you face professional liability risk like doctors or lawyers.
- Buy properties in your personal name to access negative gearing, simpler lending and higher land tax thresholds.
Trusts Offer Benefits But Face ATO Scrutiny
- Trusts (discretionary, unit, hybrid) provide asset protection, tax flexibility and estate planning advantages.
- The ATO increasingly scrutinises distributions and may limit tax benefits over time.
Use Trusts For Specific Risks Only
- Consider trusts primarily for estate planning or genuine professional liability risk rather than routine tax minimisation.
- Avoid trusts if your goal is to maximise lending flexibility and straightforward tax benefits.