Neil Jenman on negative gearing: Tweet of the day

The debate over negative gearing continues to rage, and consumer advocate Neil Jenman has picked a side.

Current negative gearing tax benefits allow investors to claim tax deductions on investment properties where rental income doesn't cover ongoing costs, including interest on the mortgage.

Earlier this week, the Housing Institute of Australia said restricting negative gearing tax benefits would increase affordability pressures, as rents would be pushed upwards.

Neil Jenman is among those who disagree. Some who call for negative gearing benefits to be dismantled claim that the practice encourages speculative investing, which inflates housing prices.