As a New Zealand citizen planning to move to Australia and work there for 2 to 5 years, do I need to pay tax on the capital gains of my rental property in New Zealand for the duration when I was living in Australia when I exit the country and return to New Zealand? I'm not planning to become a permanent resident or obtain citizenship in Australia.
Hi @Rezkho
If you sell your NZ home when you return to NZ then you won't need to let us know if you no longer have ties here. For example you're an Australian tax resident.
Also going back to the info @DanielleATO gave, that applies if you're an Australian tax resident. However, if you have a temporary visa, you should check if you're a temporary resident for tax purposes. That's what you'll fall under when it comes to working out what income you need to declare here. This could change our previous advice and you may not have to let us know about your rental income and you'll only be subject to CGT for taxable Australian property.
Does that make sense?
Hi @Rezkho,
Are you planning on selling your rental property while you're in Australia? When you sell or dispose of a rental property you may make a capital gain or loss.
Are you thinking maybe about the rental income you will receive from the rental property? And if you will need to report and pay tax on that income? You must declare all the income you receive for your rental property. This including from overseas properties in your tax return.
Hi, I'm not planning to sell my rental property while I'm in Australia. I want to move to Australia for a short period of time i.e. 2 to 5 years and work there then come back to New Zealand. Meanwhile my property in NZ will be rented and I'll declare the income to IRD and ATO. My question is if I decided to sell my rental after a couple of years that I'm back to New Zealand, does ATO will ask me to pay for a capital gains tax for increase in value of my rental during the time I was in Australia?
Hi @Rezkho
If you sell your NZ home when you return to NZ then you won't need to let us know if you no longer have ties here. For example you're an Australian tax resident.
Also going back to the info @DanielleATO gave, that applies if you're an Australian tax resident. However, if you have a temporary visa, you should check if you're a temporary resident for tax purposes. That's what you'll fall under when it comes to working out what income you need to declare here. This could change our previous advice and you may not have to let us know about your rental income and you'll only be subject to CGT for taxable Australian property.
Does that make sense?
Yes, thanks very much
21 May 2026 · 4 min read time
15 Apr 2026 · 8 min read time
975 views
4 replies