Straight answers · Checked 20 October 2026
Will selling before 31 December save me Victorian land tax?
Short answer
Possibly. Victorian land tax is assessed on the land you own at midnight on 31 December for the following year. If a sale settles before then, the property is generally not counted in the next assessment. Signing a contract is not enough: settlement timing is what matters, so confirm with your accountant.
Is there time?
A campaign plus a standard settlement period takes weeks to months. If you are not ready to sign by November, plan for the following year instead.
Other timing questions
Federal changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax became law in June 2026 and start from 1 July 2027. Negative gearing is limited to new builds, with property held before 12 May 2026 protected, and capital gains are taxed differently from that date. Ask your accountant how they apply to you.