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The Daily Insight

Is down payment on investment property tax deductible?

Author

Ava Robinson

Published Mar 23, 2026

Going back to the down payment, it is principal in the property. But as we’ve mentioned, principal is not tax deductible. Adjusting the size of the down payment will affect the cost of the loan. But it will not affect depreciation since it is based on the property’s purchase price.

You are allowed to write off the down payment. This expense is part of the basis of the property and is not deductible on your tax return.

Are investment payments tax deductible?

If you itemize your deductions, you may be able to claim a deduction for your investment interest expenses. Investment interest expense is the interest paid on money borrowed to purchase taxable investments. The amount that you can deduct is capped at your net taxable investment income for the year.

Can you write off down payment on rental?

Since part of each payment goes toward paying down the principal, this amount is not a deductible expense. The portion paid toward interest is deductible. Home mortgage interest is reported on Schedule A of the 1040 tax form.

Are hard to borrow fees tax deductible?

Stock borrow fees are not considered interest expense, so investors can’t include them in those deductions. If stock-borrow fees are deductible for Schedule A, they are also deductible against net investment income to offset the net investment tax.

Do you need a down payment to buy an investment property?

Most mortgage lenders require borrowers to have at least a 15% down payment for investment properties, which is usually not required when you buy your first home. In addition to a higher down payment, investment property owners who move tenants in must also have their homes cleared by inspectors in many states.

Is it good to put extra money into a down payment?

Putting an extra $20,000 into a down payment or extra principal payments on the loan allows the borrower to avoid interest charges on $20,000 that could be added to the mortgage. So if the mortgage charges 4 percent, that cash put into the home is “earning” 4 percent. Stocks often offer bigger returns.

Can you put down payment on stock market?

Whether to use a bank, an online bank, or the stock market to stash those tens of thousands of down-payment dollars depends on your timeline. You’re free to opt for a down payment of more than 20% of the home’s value if you have the money available.

What happens if you lose 10 percent of your down payment?

The smaller down payment also allows you to invest the savings in another way, adding to the gain. But if the home loses 10 percent, the 10 percent down payment is wiped out. Experts say it’s a mistake to assume growing equity is the same as investment return.