Property Investment Blog

Wednesday, 9 September 2026

Property Profit: What Do You Really Make?

On paper, Darius’ property sale looks impressive.


Sale price: $1,100,000

Loan outstanding: $736,250

Equity/profit on sale: $363,750


But that’s not the money Darius actually walks away with.


With rent remaining at $470 per week, the property generated an annual pre-tax cashflow loss of $8,329. After allowing for Darius’ tax position, his estimated cashflow losses were:


2021: -$5,200

2022: -$4,600


Then there are the other costs:

* Stamp duty originally paid: $30,000

* Purchase costs: $4,100

* Agent commission (2.5%): $27,500

* Fixed-rate break fee: $3,000

* Sale marketing: $7,000

* Conveyancing: $2,500

* Mortgage discharge: $1,000

* Estimated capital gains tax: $60,000


The real result?


$363,750

less $9,800 after-tax holding losses

less $75,100 purchase and selling costs

less $60,000 CGT


= $218,850 estimated real profit


That’s almost $145,000 less than the headline $363,750 figure.


Darius has still achieved a strong result - but it demonstrates why investors should look beyond the difference between their sale price and outstanding loan.


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