Property vs shares

Investment property or shares?

The great Australian wealth debate, run properly — with stamp duty, gearing, dividends and capital gains tax all in, and the answer broken down by state.

Investment property or shares?
The classic wealth-building question, run properly — stamp duty, gearing, dividends, capital gains tax and all — with the answer broken down by state.

Over 10 years in New South Wales, on these assumptions

shares would leave you $106,420 ahead

Investment property

$1,053,268

Shares / ETF

$1,159,687

Net wealth after selling and paying capital gains tax, from the same $322,111 of upfront cash (incl. $54,151 stamp duty) and the same yearly out-of-pocket.

Investment property$1,053,268
Shares / ETF$1,159,687

The verdict is highly sensitive to capital growth and share returns — open the advanced panel to set your own. Property uses New South Wales stamp duty; prices default to ABS mean dwelling values. A guide, not financial advice.