Can we claim any expenses in the 12 months prior to settlement?

Our Experts Answer:

Hi Jenny, Quite a confusing setup here. I can only assume that you both consider the property to be jointly held despite it being in your name only. I'd see if I could get the title altered to reflect your partners interest ASAP.

However, you could legally document the arrangement to confirm your partners interest perhaps with a martimonial property agreement or even a bear trust document which indicates you are holding his share in trust for him.

The fact that you are each both responsible for your own mortgages means the arrangement is a joint venture rather than a true partnership. The difference being that you will each claim the interest on your respective mortgages and split the joint property holding costs.

The fact that your own home has been mortgaged is of no concequence to the deductibility. It is the use that the money has been put to that determines the deductibility. I believe your arguments for claiming costs prior to settlement will be somewhat tenuous as there is a very weak link between the costs and deriving income until the rent is flowing.

Mark Withers and his team at Withers Tsang & Co specialise in advising on property related transactions, valuation and restructure services and tax planning.