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Trust vs Company vs Personal Calculator

Compare the after-tax outcome of owning an investment property personally, through a discretionary trust, or in a company, including cash flow, land tax and sale proceeds.

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Which ownership structure could leave you better off?

Whether you buy an investment property in your own name, through a discretionary trust or in a company can have a significant impact on what you keep over the life of the investment.

Each ownership structure is taxed differently, and the differences don't just appear when you sell. Rental income, land tax, capital gains and how profits are distributed can all affect your overall result.

This calculator compares the same investment property across all three ownership structures, using your own assumptions for purchase price, rent, growth and holding period. You'll see the estimated after-tax cash flow, land tax and sale proceeds side by side, giving you a starting point for discussions with your accountant or tax adviser.

This calculator compares

Personal, discretionary trust and company ownership
Estimated annual after-tax cash flow
Land tax based on your selected state and ownership structure
Sale proceeds under the 2027 capital gains tax rules
Cash available after tax, or the amount retained if sale proceeds are reinvested
Tax outcomes based on the taxable incomes you enter, rather than a single flat tax rate

General information only. This calculator provides indicative estimates and does not constitute tax, legal, financial, investment or credit advice. The most appropriate ownership structure depends on your individual circumstances and should be determined with your accountant, tax adviser or solicitor.

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy an investment property in my own name, a trust or a company?

It depends on your circumstances. Your taxable income, future investment plans, asset protection goals, borrowing strategy and estate planning can all influence the most appropriate ownership structure. This calculator helps you compare the estimated financial outcomes, but the final decision should be made with your accountant or tax adviser.

Is this tax advice?

No. This calculator provides general information and indicative estimates only. It does not constitute tax, legal, financial or credit advice. Before deciding whether to buy an investment property personally, through a discretionary trust or in a company, speak with your accountant, registered tax agent or solicitor.

Does this calculator include land tax?

Yes. Land tax is calculated separately for each ownership structure using the rules and thresholds for your selected state or territory. Because trusts and companies are often taxed differently from individuals, the results can vary even when the property is identical.

Why does the best ownership structure change?

There isn't a single "best" structure. The outcome depends on factors such as your taxable income, land tax, how long you hold the property, whether you reinvest or cash out, and how profits are ultimately taxed. This calculator lets you compare those outcomes using the same property and assumptions.

Can a trust or company improve my borrowing power?

Sometimes, but not always. Most lenders assess trust and company loans against your personal borrowing capacity in much the same way as a loan in your own name. Some lenders treat self-supporting trust or company loans differently, which may help preserve borrowing power for future purchases. That's lender policy rather than tax law, so it's worth discussing with your mortgage broker.

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These figures are a guide, not a guarantee, and they're not legal, financial, tax or credit advice. Book a free discovery call and get real numbers for your situation.