We unpack the key differences between owning a home to live in and purchasing an investment property. We also explain concepts like negative gearing and how depreciation can be a cash-flow booster—even if the property is positively geared. We cover why planning is everything, from resetting valuations to understanding which expenses you can claim now versus those that get capitalised over time.

For first-home buyers, we discuss common scenarios, like living in a property before renting it out versus renting first and moving in later. These situations come with vastly different tax rules, and Catherine shares practical tips to avoid costly mistakes. Her advice? Always keep detailed records and have the right experts guiding you.

Sure, rentvesting can be a smart strategy for entering the property market, but it's crucial to approach it with careful planning and the right advice. And this episode highlights the importance of understanding tax rules, making informed decisions, and working with professionals to maximise benefits while avoiding costly mistakes.