--- title: Why Off-The-Plan Could Become the Smarter Investor Move description: See why Budget 2026 changes may make off-the-plan property more appealing for investors looking at new builds in Melbourne. image: https://blog.norus.com.au/hubfs/Sanctuary%20Sandringham/Construction%20Update%20Photos/SS%20Construction%20Complete/502-1.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://blog.norus.com.au/off-the-plan-property-investment-budget-2026#main-content) [![Copy of NORUS BRANDING](https://blog.norus.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Norus%20Projects/Copy%20of%20NORUS%20BRANDING.png?width=500&height=125&name=Copy%20of%20NORUS%20BRANDING.png "Copy of NORUS BRANDING")](https://www.norus.com.au) [![Copy of NORUS BRANDING (1)](https://blog.norus.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20NORUS%20BRANDING%20(1).png?width=500&height=125&name=Copy%20of%20NORUS%20BRANDING%20(1).png "Copy of NORUS BRANDING (1)")](https://www.norus.com.au) - [Projects](https://www.norus.com.au/sanctuary_sandringham) - [Norus | Beach Point](https://www.norus.com.au/beach_point) - [Norus | Parkview](https://www.norus.com.au/park_view) - [Norus | Riverbend](https://www.norus.com.au/riverbend_ivanhoe) - [Norus | Sanctuary Sandringham](https://www.norus.com.au/sanctuary_sandringham) - [About](https://www.norus.com.au/about) - [Construction Updates](https://www.norus.com.au/construction_progress) - [Completed Projects](https://www.norus.com.au/completed_projects) - [Blog](https://blog.norus.com.au) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu - [Projects *Toggle Menu*](https://www.norus.com.au/sanctuary_sandringham) - [Norus | Beach Point](https://www.norus.com.au/beach_point) - [Norus | Parkview](https://www.norus.com.au/park_view) - [Norus | Riverbend](https://www.norus.com.au/riverbend_ivanhoe) - [Norus | Sanctuary Sandringham](https://www.norus.com.au/sanctuary_sandringham) - [About](https://www.norus.com.au/about) - [Construction Updates](https://www.norus.com.au/construction_progress) - [Completed Projects](https://www.norus.com.au/completed_projects) - [Blog](https://blog.norus.com.au) [*Facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554483013407) [*Instagram*](https://www.instagram.com/norus.projects/) [*LinkedIn*](https://blog.norus.com.au/off-the-plan-property-investment-budget-2026#0) [*Twitter*](https://blog.norus.com.au/off-the-plan-property-investment-budget-2026#0) [*Youtube*](https://blog.norus.com.au/off-the-plan-property-investment-budget-2026#0) [*Medium*](https://blog.norus.com.au/off-the-plan-property-investment-budget-2026#0) 4 min read # Why Off-The-Plan Could Become the Smarter Investor Move [Norus Blog](https://blog.norus.com.au/author/norus-blog) : Published July 14, 2026 Updated September 2, 2026 [Investor](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/investor) [off-the-plan](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/off-the-plan) [Apartment](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/apartment) [Park View Burwood](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/park-view-burwood) [Riverbend Ivanhoe](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/riverbend-ivanhoe) [Suburbs](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/suburbs) [Investing](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/investing) ![Why Off-The-Plan Could Become the Smarter Investor Move](https://blog.norus.com.au/hubfs/Sanctuary%20Sandringham/Construction%20Update%20Photos/SS%20Construction%20Complete/502-1.jpg) ## **A New Investment Landscape Is Taking Shape** Following the passage of the 2026 Federal Budget's tax reforms into law, property investors are taking a closer look at how changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax will reshape future investment. With negative gearing now limited to eligible new builds from 1 July 2027, newly built homes are becoming a more strategic consideration for investors planning their next move. Changes to capital gains tax treatment will also shape how buyers compare established properties with new residential opportunities. For Victorian investors, this is more than a tax update. It is a timely reason to reassess what type of property may best support a long-term strategy. In this changing landscape, off-the-plan apartments and townhouses may become more attractive to buyers who want to plan ahead, secure a new home in an established location and align their purchase with the evolving investment environment. ## **Why New Builds Are Now in a Stronger Position** For years, many investors compared established properties with new builds through a familiar lens. They looked at price, location, rental demand, holding costs and long-term potential. Now, tax treatment has become a much bigger part of that equation. Under the new legislation, investors who purchase eligible new builds will retain access to negative gearing, allowing eligible rental losses to continue being deducted against other income. Existing residential investment properties purchased after the Budget night announcement will be treated differently under the new rules. ## **Off-The-Plan Can Support a More Planned Approach** Rather than rushing into an established property, buyers can secure a future home or investment while the project is still progressing. This can provide time to prepare finances, review lending options, consider rental strategy and seek advice from a broker, accountant or financial adviser before settlement. In Victoria, off-the-plan buyers may also be able to explore potential stamp duty savings, depending on eligibility, contract timing and the type of property purchased. New apartments and townhouses can also appeal to tenants because they often offer modern layouts, energy-conscious features, secure access, low-maintenance finishes and locations close to transport, shops, universities, employment hubs or lifestyle amenities. These features can help support long-term tenant appeal, although rental demand will always depend on the property, suburb and broader market conditions.   ## **The Real Opportunity: Supply, Lifestyle and Timing** The [Federal Budget's](https://budget.gov.au/content/factsheets/download/tax-explainers-negative-gearing-capital-gains-tax.pdf) tax reforms have placed renewed attention on new housing supply. New builds that add to the housing stock are being treated differently from established dwellings, placing off-the-plan apartments and townhouses in a stronger strategic position for investors who want to stay active in residential property. In practical terms, this could make the next investment conversation less about simply buying "a property" and more about buying the right type of property. A well-located new apartment or townhouse can offer several advantages. It can sit in a suburb with a strong lifestyle appeal. It can provide finishes and layouts that suit modern renters. It can reduce some of the immediate maintenance considerations that often come with older stock. It can also give investors a clearer way to align their purchase with the changing tax environment. That is where off-the-plan can become more than a purchase. It can become a planned move. ## **What Investors Should Consider Before Pivoting** Before making a decision, investors should look beyond the headline and consider the full picture. Start with the location. Look at transport, schools, retail, employment access, lifestyle amenity and the type of renter the suburb is likely to attract. Then review the property itself. Consider floor plan efficiency, natural light, storage, outdoor space, building quality and the overall liveability of the home. A smart investment is not only about tax treatment. It is also about how desirable the property feels to future tenants and how well it may hold appeal over time. Finally, get the right advice. Tax rules can still be complex and individual circumstances matter. Investors should speak with a qualified accountant, broker or financial adviser to understand how the new rules may apply to their situation. ## **Make a More Considered Property Move** The Federal Budget's tax reforms may encourage investors to look at residential property through a different lens. For those planning their next move, off-the-plan apartments and townhouses may offer a practical way to align with the changing investment environment while also considering lifestyle, rental appeal and long-term location fundamentals. At [Norus Projects](https://www.norus.com.au/), our focus is on well-considered apartment and townhouse developments in established Melbourne locations. Projects such as [Sanctuary Sandringham](https://www.norus.com.au/sanctuary_sandringham), [Beach Point Sandringham](https://www.norus.com.au/beach_point), [Parkview Burwood](https://www.norus.com.au/park_view) and [Riverbend Ivanhoe](https://www.norus.com.au/riverbend_ivanhoe) give buyers the opportunity to explore new homes in suburbs with lifestyle appeal, transport access and everyday amenities. For investors, the opportunity is not simply about buying new. It is about choosing carefully, planning ahead and seeking the right advice before making a decision. To learn more about Norus Projects and explore current apartment and townhouse opportunities, get in touch with our team today. ### Register Your Interest In Norus Projects Apartments and Townhouses. Just enter your details below. 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The information and materials do not form any representation by any vendors or agents of any vendors and may include third-party opinions that do not represent the opinion of any vendor or agent. They do not form part of any contract of sale and they do not constitute legal, financial, real estate or other advice and must not be regarded or relied upon as such. No warranty is given either expressly or implied and the vendors or agents do not assume liability for negligence or otherwise with respect to the contents herein. All images are artist impressions only. Any plans are yet to have had their structural and services review so are subject to change prior to completion of construction. All plans, dimensions, areas and particulars herein whether by measurements or visual representation are approximate only, for general information only, and do not constitute any representation by the vendor or its agents or representatives. They do not form part of any contract of sale. Changes will undoubtedly be made during development and dimensions, fittings, finishes and specifications are therefore subject to change. Any furniture, goods and chattels depicted in this document are not included with any sale. Prospective purchasers or lessees are advised to not to rely on the information contained herein and to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of all information given by making their own inspections, searches, inquiries and advises or as is otherwise necessary. The vendor or its agents or representatives will not be responsible for any error or misdescription which may appear. Further, the vendor or the developer or their agents or representatives do not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that the integrity of this communication has been maintained or that the communication is free of errors, virus, interception or interference. Usage of this or any other websites and materials and any associated website or material is subject to further terms and conditions. Further terms and conditions apply. Please enquire with the vendor and agent for further terms and conditions.  - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Why Off-the-Plan is Worth the Wait. A Comparison with Established Properties.](https://blog.norus.com.au/hubfs/iStock-918374518-30p-1447x800.webp)](https://blog.norus.com.au/why-off-the-plan-is-worth-the-wait.-a-comparison-with-established-properties) #### [Why Off-the-Plan is Worth the Wait. A Comparison with Established Properties.](https://blog.norus.com.au/why-off-the-plan-is-worth-the-wait.-a-comparison-with-established-properties) [Norus Blog](https://blog.norus.com.au/author/norus-blog) : Jun 20, 2025, 2:02:00 PM Discover the benefits of buying off-the-plan properties over established ones, from financial savings to modern design and customisation... [First Home Buyer](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/first-home-buyer) [Investor](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/investor) [off-the-plan](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/off-the-plan) [Apartment](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/apartment) [Buying process](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/buying-process) [Find Out More Details](https://blog.norus.com.au/why-off-the-plan-is-worth-the-wait.-a-comparison-with-established-properties) [![Burwood for Buyers: Deakin, Trams and Value: A Data-Led Look](https://blog.norus.com.au/hubfs/Burwood5.jpg)](https://blog.norus.com.au/burwood-buyers-deakin-tram-75-value-data-led-look) #### [Burwood for Buyers: Deakin, Trams and Value: A Data-Led Look](https://blog.norus.com.au/burwood-buyers-deakin-tram-75-value-data-led-look) [Norus Blog](https://blog.norus.com.au/author/norus-blog) : Apr 24, 2026, 12:45:01 PM A data-led guide to buying in Burwood 3125. Deakin, Tram 75, micro-pockets, floorplan tips and a practical inspection checklist. [burwood](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/burwood) [First Home Buyer](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/first-home-buyer) [Investor](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/investor) [Owner/Occupier](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/owner-occupier) [Downsizer](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/downsizer) [off-the-plan](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/off-the-plan) [Park View Burwood](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/park-view-burwood) [Suburbs](https://blog.norus.com.au/tag/suburbs) [Find Out More Details](https://blog.norus.com.au/burwood-buyers-deakin-tram-75-value-data-led-look) [![SMSF Property Borrowing Changes 2026: What Buyers Need to Know](https://blog.norus.com.au/hubfs/Norus%20-%20Beach%20Point/Construction%20Update%20Photos/BP%20May%202026%20(Completion)/Exterior/Drone%20Beach%20Rd-14.jpg)](https://blog.norus.com.au/smsf-property-borrowing-changes-2026) #### [SMSF Property Borrowing Changes 2026: What Buyers Need to Know](https://blog.norus.com.au/smsf-property-borrowing-changes-2026) [Norus Blog](https://blog.norus.com.au/author/norus-blog) : Aug 4, 2026, 2:50:41 PM Understand the 2026 SMSF property borrowing changes, the contract exchange deadline and the options buyers can discuss with their advisers. 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