Labor still deciding negative gearing time

A federal Labor government would bring in changes to negative gearing before or at its first budget, though the party isn't yet clear on specific timing.

The federal Labor Party is yet to decide exactly when it would make changes to the negative gearing tax break, if it wins the 2019 election.

The opposition has remained committed to its policy to keep negative gearing only for newly-built homes going forward, in the face of fierce attacks from the coalition and real estate heavyweights.

Labor leader Bill Shorten says the reforms will come "before our first budget or at our first budget", but the party is still picking its "final timing".