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Second Hand Property · Koste Knowledge Base

Can I claim second-hand assets if I bought the property before 9 May 2017?

Published 26 June 2026 · Last updated 26 June 2026

Quick Answer

If you bought your residential investment property before 9 May 2017, you may be treated differently from investors who bought after the rule change. You should review your depreciation schedule and accountant advice to confirm whether existing plant and equipment can still be claimed.

The 2017 rule change mainly affected residential property investors who acquired second-hand plant and equipment after 9 May 2017.

If you acquired the property before this date, the restriction may not apply in the same way, depending on your circumstances.

Important factors:

  • Acquisition date
  • When the property became income-producing
  • Whether the assets were used privately
  • Whether ownership changed
  • Whether the property was inherited or transferred
  • Whether assets have since been replaced
  • Existing depreciation schedule
  • Accountant treatment in prior years
Investors who bought before 2017 should not assume they are claiming correctly. It may be worth reviewing the schedule, especially if they changed accountants or renovated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the 2017 rule affect existing owners?

Existing owners may be treated differently, but circumstances matter.

Should I review my old schedule?

Yes, especially if assets were replaced or the property use changed.

What if I changed accountants?

Keep and transfer all depreciation schedules and tax records.

Can I claim new assets added later?

New assets may be claimable if eligible.

Can Koste.ai review old properties?

Yes. Koste.ai can help identify whether an update is required.

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Written by Koste Team · Koste Chartered Quantity Surveyors · AIQS Member · RICS Member · TPB Registered · 1300 669 400 · info@koste.ai