Accounting for tax with investment properties can involve plenty of other standards: IFRS 5, IAS 36, IAS 2… the trick is to know when to use each together with IAS 40.

In this episode, I talk through the accounting for Investment Properties under IAS 40. We start with the basic definition: property held to earn rentals, for capital appreciation, or both. And then compare it with PPE under IAS 16. Here’s the thing: the same physical building can be accounted for in different ways depending on why the business is holding it. That distinction is vital in SBR.

You’ll learn how investment property can be measured at cost or fair value, how fair value gains and losses are treated, and why this differs from PPE revaluations. We also look at how IAS 40 links with other standards, including IFRS 18, IAS 36, IAS 2 and IFRS 5. Most importantly, I explain how to think through the different, progressive scenarios so you can write clear answers and earn the marks.

Thanks for listening to this episode of Pass Your SBR ACCA Exams with Tom Clendon.

If you’d like to view the exam question on screen and see my working, subscribe to the YouTube Channel:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tomclendonSBR⁠⁠⁠⁠.

For access to on-demand support and guidance for your ACCA SBR Journey, visit my website to see my current course offering:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://tomclendon.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Chapters

(0:00) Introduction to IAS 40 investment properties

(1:57) What is an investment property?

(2:25) Investment property compared with PPE

(3:37) Recap of IAS 16 accounting for PPE

(5:19) Accounting for investment properties under IAS 40

(6:35) Why identical properties can have different accounting treatments

(8:29) IFRS 18 and where gains and rental income go in profit or loss

(9:27) Investment property in the statement of cash flows

(10:38) Cost or fair value — which measurement is more useful?

(13:04) Why property classification depends on business use

(15:08) Mixed-use property and splitting the asset

(16:09) Transfers from PPE to investment property