Quantity Surveyor
Tax & Deductions
A qualified professional who prepares depreciation schedules for investment properties, identifying all claimable tax deductions.
Full Explanation
A quantity surveyor (QS) inspects your investment property and produces a detailed depreciation schedule listing all Division 40 (plant and equipment) and Division 43 (capital works) deductions you can claim. The ATO requires depreciation schedules to be prepared by a qualified quantity surveyor for them to be accepted as evidence for tax claims. A good schedule can identify $5,000–$20,000+ in deductions per year depending on the property.
Example
A QS inspects your 2015-built apartment and produces a schedule showing $8,500 in first-year depreciation claims ($3,200 Division 43 + $5,300 Division 40).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a quantity surveyor cost?
A depreciation schedule typically costs $600–$800 and is a one-time expense that is itself tax-deductible. The deductions it unlocks usually far exceed the cost in the first year alone.
Do I need a quantity surveyor for an old property?
Yes — any property built after September 1987 qualifies for Division 43 capital works deductions (2.5% of construction cost per year). Even older properties may have renovations or new fixtures that qualify under Division 40.