How far house prices would fall if the capital gains tax discount changed (across Fairfax)
Robert Carling, senior fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies, opposes any change to the capital gains tax discount. But he agrees any change would probably have minimal impact.
“If anyone is looking for this as the silver bullet for substantially lower house prices, they’ll be disappointed,” he said.
Carling said grandfathering the policy as well as fears from investors about the change could risk an immediate short-term increase in prices, but the longer-lasting effect would be more moderate.
Carling said that while discussion has focused on house prices, they make up only about 40 per cent of the assets affected by the tax, adding the government should keep in mind the need to encourage business investment.
Blaise Joseph was interviewed on 2GB Sydney Now with Clinton Maynard re tutoring for school students.