WCC 930: Don’t Sell While Offshore: The Costly Truth About Capital Gains Tax for Non-Residents

In this Wealth Coffee Chats episode, Anthony Wolfenden, Tax Financial Advisor at Positive Tax Solutions, breaks down one of the most misunderstood areas in Australian property taxation — the Principal Place of Residence (PPR) capital gains tax (CGT) exemption and how it changes when you move overseas. Using clear real-world examples, Anthony explains how the six-year rule can protect your tax-free gains — and how easily it can disappear if you become a non-resident at the time of sale. He walks through three scenarios showing how homeowners can either keep 100% of their profits or lose hundreds of thousands in tax simply based on residency status. From the impact of the 50% CGT discount to what really triggers a taxable event, this episode is a must-listen for any Australian property owner working or living abroad.

 

Episode Highlights:

  1. General advice disclaimer and scope of discussion.
  2. What counts as a principal place of residence and how CGT exemptions apply.
  3. The powerful “six-year rule” that lets you keep your tax-free status after moving out.
  4. How capital gains tax is calculated once the exemption period ends.
  5. What happens when you sell while living overseas — the rules for non-residents.
  6. Why non-residents lose the 50% CGT discount and pay a flat 30%+ tax from dollar one.
  7. Smart strategies to plan your sale, including becoming a resident before signing the contract.
  8. Key reminder: capital gains tax is triggered at contract signing, not settlement.
  9. Teaser for the next episode — CGT implications on the final home you own before passing.
About the Author
From a small town boy growing up in the remote outback of rural Queensland, to becoming the founder of Australasia’s most powerful property wealth creation engine – Positive Real Estate Group CEO Jason Whitton is on a mission to change the way we look at wealth.