Outdoor appreciation increases depreciation

Claim deductions on outdoor structures and save

When it comes to claiming depreciation on investment properties, many investors are unaware of the deductions available on outdoor structures, fixtures and fittings.

Items outside a building can add value to a property. Rather than ignoring the street appeal, property investors can include items in the yard or outdoor area to help attract potential tenants. The investor can then maximise their deductions by claiming depreciation on the eligible items in the front yard, backyard and balconies of their properties.

Deductions can be claimed on these outdoor assets as either capital works allowance or plant and equipment depreciation.

Capital works allowance, also known as building write-off, is based on the historical cost of a structure, excluding the cost of plant and non-eligible items. Outdoor structures which qualify for the capital works allowance include:

Plant and equipment assets, including removable or mechanical assets, are also eligible for depreciation deductions. Each plant and equipment asset has an effective life set by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

The depreciation available on each item is calculated using the effective life. Some depreciable outdoor plant and equipment assets commonly found outside a property include:

Depreciable assets outside a property can be worth thousands of dollars. Property investors should take special notice when old assets including retaining walls, garden sheds and driveways are removed and replaced during a renovation. They may be entitled to claim 100 per cent of the unclaimed value as a deduction. A specialist Quantity Surveyor is qualified to calculate values and construction costs of these items and can ensure that investors are not throwing dollars away.