Property Investors Are Feeling the Squeeze — Why a Tax Variation Could Be a Smart Move Right Now

Julie Crockett hosts the Buyer Agent Networks podcast and discusses how buyer's agents can support property investor clients who are feeling the cash-flow squeeze from rising costs, including the RBA cash rate lifting to 4.1% (17 March), inflation at 3.7% (February 2026), higher housing and living expenses, and fuel price pressure (with the federal government announcing a temporary halving of the fuel excise). She explains a little-known option, a PAYG withholding tax variation, which can allow eligible investors—often negatively geared—to receive expected tax benefits throughout the year in each pay packet rather than waiting for a year-end refund, potentially easing household budgets and helping clients hold quality assets. Crockett stresses buyer's agents should not give tax advice and should direct clients to their accountant and the ATO application process, noting it can backfire if done incorrectly. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:17 Investors Feeling the Squeeze 01:51 A Student Client Case Study 03:41 Today's Solution Tax Variation 03:58 Why Cash Flow Is Tight Now 06:50 What Is PAYG Variation 07:11 Negative Gearing Explained 08:21 How to Apply and Warnings 09:21 How It Boosts Each Pay 10:45 Buyer Agents Helping Clients 12:02 Signs of Stress in Market 12:41 Client Outcomes and Trust  RESOURCES MENTIONED Connect with Julie  LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/juliecrockett  Visit the website here for the Buyer's Agent Course and join the Waitlist: https://buyersagentcourses.com.au  Subscribe to the Buyer's Agent Networks Podcast here: https://bit.ly/follow-buyers-agent-podcast  Forward this episode to a friend: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wPYOCU31nV0CBSfzu1q05V00m3WtVDmK/view?usp=sharing  Get the '23 FAQS Property Investors Ask A Buyer's Agent' free download here: https://buyersagentcourses.com.au/join-the-buyers-agent-network/