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
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.
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.
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.
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.
