As Australians head to the polls this weekend, the future of the property market is a key concern for many. Both the Labor Party and the Coalition have released proposals that could influence investors, landlords, developers, and tenants across the country. While each party is taking a different approach, there is a common recognition of the urgent need to address housing supply and affordability.

Here is a summary of the key property-related policies from the major parties:

Housing Supply and Affordability

Labor (ALP)

• Launch of the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Find to deliver 30,000 new social and affordable homes over five years
• A National Housing Accord aiming for the construction of 1.2 million new homes over the next five years
• Introduction of the Help to Buy Scheme, a shared equity program where the government contributes up to 40% of the purchase price for eligible buyers
• Exclusion of HECS-HELP debts from mortgage serviceability assessments, potentially making home loans more accessible for younger Australians

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Coalition (Liberal- National)

• Creation of a $5 billion Infrastructure Fund to support the construction of 500,000 new homes by unlocking new land supply.
• Policy allowing first-home buyers to withdraw up to $50,000 from their superannuation for a home deposit.
• A 10-year freeze on changes to the National Construction Code to provide cost certainty for builders and developers.
• A goal to train 400,000 new apprentices and trainees, helping address labour shortages in the construction sector.

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Investor and Landlord Impacts

Both major parties have committed to maintaining existing negative gearing and capital gains tax arrangements, providing continuity for property investors.

• In terms of the rental market:
  

1. Labor is proposing a 45% increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance and advocating for stronger renter protections

2. The Coalition has not proposed specific changes related to rental laws but is focused on boosting housing supply.

• On foreign investment, The Cialition plans to introduce a two-year ban on foreign investors and temporary residents purchasing existing homes.

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Commercial Property and Development

Labor

• Plans to continue investing in public infrastructure projects, likely benefiting sectors such as industrial and logistics property.
• Focus on higher sustainability standards, which could lead to new compliance requirements for commercial property owners.

Coalition

• Emphasising regulatory stability and a reduction in red tape to support private sector investment in commercial and residential development.

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Regardless of which party forms government, housing supply and affordability are set to remain high on the national agenda. For investors, developers, and landlords, policies across both sides suggest a stable investment environment, with specific initiatives that may create new opportunities — or present new compliance considerations — in the coming years.

Our team will continue to monitor post-election developments closely to keep our clients informed about how any new policies could impact the build-to-rent sector and broader property market.

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