01 Cash flow & returns Reviewed 30 August 2026
Property cash flow
Cash flow
The cash received from a property minus the cash paid out over the same period.
What Cash flow means
Positive cash flow leaves money after the period’s outgoings. Negative cash flow means you must fund the shortfall from elsewhere.
02 / Worked example
How it is calculated
Cash rent received − cash outgoings
Rent received $30,000 Cash outgoings $34,800 Cash flow −$4,800
$30,000 − $34,800 = −$4,800 annual cash flow
Why it matters
Cash flow determines whether the property supports your household budget or consumes it between purchase and sale.
Take the next step
Ask Heyward A definition cannot see your position. Heyward can.
Start with: “Show this property’s monthly and annual cash flow using my real loan and costs.”
04
Sources
Primary & official where available- Australian Taxation Office Residential rental properties
- ASIC Moneysmart Buying an investment property
General educational information only. It does not account for your objectives, financial situation, legal position or tax circumstances.