What is common property in strata title, and can you claim deductions for it? Common property assets entitle investors to significant depreciation deductions however many property owners fail to maximise their claims. All strata title properties contain different assets and have unique ownership arrangements, so it’s important the depreciation deductions get apportioned correctly.
In this article we will look at:
- What is common property in strata title?
- How to calculate an investor’s entitlement to common property
- Depreciation deductions for common property
- Common property case study
What is common property in strata title?
A strata title is used when investors own part of a property usually called a ‘lot’. This can be a unit, duplex or townhouse complex where ownership of common property including driveways, foyers and gardens is shared by all property owners.
Common property assets can include items like air conditioners, fire safety equipment, lifts, lights and garbage bins.
How to calculate an investor’s entitlement to common property
An investor’s entitlement to shared assets within strata property is calculated based on their percentage of ownership. Experts such as BMT Tax Depreciation can review the property’s entitlements within the Strata Plan, Building Unit Plans and Plan of Subdivision to determine the exact percentage of ownership. This percentage ensures every depreciation deduction is captured correctly.
Depreciation deductions for common property
Common property depreciates in the same way as any other part of the property. Plant and equipment assets in common property will depreciate according to their effective lives, which are determined by the Australian Taxation Office. Capital works allowance relates to the structural portion of common property and depreciates over 40 years. This rate typically depends on the property’s construction date and the building’s purpose.
Shared assets also often fall into a low-value pool or will qualify for an immediate write-off. This allows Quantity Surveyors to apply accelerated depreciation rates to most assets found in common areas. If an owner’s interest in a common property asset is less than $1,000, the asset can be pooled and claimed at a rate of 18.75 per cent in the year of purchase and 37.5 per cent each year thereafter. If an owner’s interest in an asset is less than $300, the asset qualifies for an immediate write-off.
Common property case study
The owner of a $595,000 two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment can claim common property assets like lifts, ventilation fans, carpet, intercom system assets and air conditioning. The table below highlights the apportioned value of each asset, the depreciation rates and the first and second year deductions available.
The owner’s portion of the carpet and intercom system each have a value less than $1,000 so they can qualify for a low-value pool with accelerated depreciation.
The air conditioning has a calculated value less than $300, so the investor can claim the full amount in the first financial year.
In this scenario, the investor would be able to claim more than $1,200 in depreciation deductions from common property assets in the first and second year. Given there are likely to be more common property assets, like garbage bins, hot water systems and gym facilities, the investor could be entitled to thousands of dollars more.
To find out more about how depreciation can help you if you own a unit, apartment or townhouse Request a Quote or contact BMT on 1300 728 726.
Investors also enjoy reading: