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How Much Does a Depreciation Schedule Cost? | Is It Worth It?

A depreciation schedule costs $595–$900 for most residential properties. That's usually recovered in the first year's additional tax deductions. Here's how to assess whether it's worth it for your property.

What Does a Depreciation Schedule Cost?

Koste's tax depreciation schedules start from $595 for residential properties. Commercial properties are quoted individually based on size and complexity — typically $800–$2,500.

The schedule fee is itself a tax-deductible expense (claimable in the year you purchase it), so the after-tax cost at a 37% marginal rate is approximately $375.

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What Affects the Price?

| Property Type | Typical Price Range | |---|---| | Residential house | $595–$750 | | Residential unit/apartment | $595–$695 | | Duplex or dual occupancy | $650–$850 | | Commercial office (small) | $900–$1,500 | | Commercial office (large) | $1,500–$2,500+ | | Industrial/warehouse | $800–$1,800 |

Factors that can affect pricing:

  • Size of the property (floor area)
  • Complexity of the fit-out (commercial)
  • Regional location (travel costs for inspection)
  • Whether it's a new property vs existing
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Is It Worth It? How to Calculate Your Return

The most important question. Here's a simple way to assess it:

Step 1: Estimate your Division 43 deduction. If the property was built after 1987, the construction cost is typically 50–60% of the original purchase price for a house, or 70–80% for an apartment. Apply 2.5% to get your annual Division 43 deduction.

Example: $420,000 house built in 2005

  • Estimated construction cost: $220,000 (52% of purchase price)
  • Annual Division 43: $5,500
  • At 37% marginal rate: $2,035 tax saving per year
Step 2: Estimate Division 40. For a fully furnished residential property, Division 40 deductions in Year 1 typically add $1,500–$4,000 (more for newer properties, less for older ones or post-2017 purchases of established homes).

Step 3: Compare to the schedule cost. If your first-year additional tax saving exceeds the after-tax cost of the schedule, it's worth it. In the example above: $2,035 + (say) $800 from D40 = $2,835 in Year 1. After-tax cost of schedule: ~$375. Clear return.

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When It May NOT Be Worth It

A depreciation schedule may not be cost-effective if:

  • The property was built before 1985 and no renovations or improvements have occurred
  • You have a very low marginal tax rate (below 19%)
  • The property is a commercial one where you've already obtained a schedule
  • The remaining depreciable life of the building is very short (under 5 years)
In all other cases — and particularly for properties built after 1990 — a schedule almost always delivers a strong return on the fee.

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The Compounding Value Over Time

It's easy to focus on Year 1, but the value compounds. A schedule that generates $2,500 in additional annual tax savings is worth:

  • $12,500 over 5 years
  • $25,000 over 10 years
  • $50,000 over 20 years
Against a one-time cost of $595 (declining to ~$375 after the deduction), this is an extraordinary return.

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Order Your Schedule

Koste's schedules are prepared by AIQS-certified Chartered Quantity Surveyors, include a full Audit Support Pack, and are delivered within 5–10 business days of inspection.

Order a residential or commercial depreciation schedule →

Or use the free Tax Depreciation Calculator to estimate your deductions before committing.

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About Koste Chartered Quantity Surveyors

Koste is Australia's specialist tax depreciation and quantity surveying firm. AIQS Member · RICS Member · Tax Practitioners Board registered.

Over 40,000 reports prepared. ATO-compliant schedules accepted by all major accounting firms across Australia.

Koste Chartered Quantity Surveyors  ·  1300 669 400  ·  info@koste.ai  ·  Robina QLD 4226