17/04/25
Housing policies centre stage
The last of this election’s housing dominoes have fallen.
Both parties saved their housing demand/supply stimuli for their big campaign launches. Thankfully, both have direct supply measures in play.
The Coalition announced they would allow first-time buyers of new builds to deduct a capped amount of the interest paid on their mortgage from their income taxes.
Labor’s plan would have two parts: five per cent deposits for first home buyers and a $10 billion investment to build 100,000 new homes earmarked for first home buyers.
Becalmed markets like Victoria will benefit from any demand induction.
As we have said publicly, tighter markets will need regular review to avoid policy-overheat.
Beyond that, supply side measures need to be fast-tracked as demand increases.
That is why we champion doubling federal housing and planning reform incentives.
Key independents like Allegra Spender have again backed that thought leadership position this week.
The Coalition would spend $5 billion to support last-mile infrastructure, reduce red tape through Investment Australia and fast-track housing related environment approvals.
On the other side, Labor’s $10 billion for first home buyer housing is matched by its existing $3 billion New Homes Bonus, $500 million Housing Support Program and changes to build-to-rent to unlock 80,000 rentals in the next decade.
Planning and housing have come a long way in the national debate. Many of the policies are imperfect, but both big parties are determined to do more.
More than they ever have.
Wishing you a peaceful and restful break.
We will return when the campaign ramps back up again.
Mike Zorbas
Chief Executive
Property Council of Australia
Media Releases
Coalition’s plan to accelerate housing approvals will unlock supply
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the Coalition’s plan to fast-track housing environment approval applications if elected.
Ahead of Housing Ministers’ Debate: time to double down on supply incentives
The Property Council of Australia is doubling down on its longstanding call for earlier, boosted federal incentives for states and territories to hit their housing delivery targets.
Taken as a whole Coalition’s plans a shot in the arm for housing targets
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the Coalitions’ First Home Buyer Mortgage Deductibility Scheme to get tens of thousands of first home buyers into new homes and says strong planning measures – like the Coalition’s announced $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Programme and red tape reduction plans – remain the pocket aces of housing supply.
Labor’s housing plan balances supply and demand in timely support for first homebuyers
The Property Council of Australia said Labor’s policy to invest $10 billion towards building 100,000 new homes for first homebuyers, matched by an expansion of the First Home Guarantee Scheme, will bring Australia closer to its 1.2 million new home target and help make new homes more affordable for first homebuyers.
Property industry confidence boost, but housing remains key for next government: survey
As the nation gets ready to head to the polls, the latest Procore/Property Council Survey has revealed an increase in optimism among the property industry but a desire to see more done to boost housing supply.
More supply, not gearing changes will boost home ownership and household confidence
The Property Council of Australia has warned that plans to change negative gearing will not help Australia reach our national housing targets.
Universities should provide a first year student accommodation guarantee instead of cutting student numbersÂ
The Student Accommodation Council has called for an accommodation guarantee for all first year international students at metropolitan universities instead of a blunt cut to visa numbers, in response to the Coalition’s policy today.
Property Council welcomes Labor’s cheaper battery plan
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the announcement that a re-elected Labor government would provide discount funding for households, small businesses and community facilities to install battery systems.
Property Council welcomes Coalition Investment Australia red tape reduction strategy
The Property Council of Australia has today welcomed the announcement that an elected Coalition government would establish a standalone office called Investment Australia to reduce regulatory costs and red tape.
Property Council welcomes Coalition’s APRA proposal to make home ownership easier
The Property Council of Australia has today welcomed the Coalition’s announcement that, if elected, it will reform Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) standards to drive home ownership.
Housing peak bodies welcome regulations to unlock 80,000 build-to-rent homes
The Property Council of Australia, Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) and National Shelter have welcomed regulations supporting the delivery of desperately needed affordable rental housing.
Budget in Reply – TraineeBuilder welcome, both sides need skilled migrants, housing announcements left for election campaign
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the Coalition’s large-scale trainee incentive scheme and said the impending election announcement means both sides have delayed major housing and planning policies for the campaign proper.
Stricter caps on international students won’t relieve rental crisis
The Student Accommodation sector has once again refuted claims made in the Opposition’s Budget in Reply that international students place an undue burden on the rental market.
Federal Budget – indebted Australia needs to employ other peoples’ money to build our cities
Tonight’s Federal Budget is a reminder we need tax and red tape reform to welcome foreign investment into building the assets our cities need.
Supply time bomb ticking but renters can save $90 a week if we reach 2029 housing targets: new research
New research released a week ahead of the Federal Budget reveals a looming shortfall of almost half a million homes against Australia’s housing target – but bridging the gap could save renters $90 every week, an annual saving of $4,680.
Property Council welcomes Coalition’s plan for FIRB whitelist acceleration
The Property Council of Australia has today welcomed the announcement that, if elected, a Coalition Government will establish a task force to design a whitelist process for trusted investors as part of Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) processes.
Property Council welcomes plan for more home lending noting new home supply remains key
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the Coalition’s announcement that it will seek to make it easier to access credit for home loans.
Property Council calls for interest rate cap in election supply boost to first-home buyers
The Property Council of Australia is calling for targeted government support to cap interest rates for Australians building their first new home, as it launches its Federal election platform.
