The Albanese and ACT Governments have struck a deal to unlock nearly 5,000 new homes across Canberra, with more than 1,700 earmarked exclusively for first home buyers.

The agreement marks the second formal partnership under the Federal Government’s election commitment to deliver up to 100,000 homes for first home buyers nationally, working alongside state and territory governments and industry.

At the centre of the deal is a $250 million funding injection from the Albanese Government, targeting enabling infrastructure to bring forward new housing supply across a number of key precincts in the ACT.

That includes funding to unlock 75 homes in the Kingston precinct, support new development in Weston Creek, and deliver estate works across the territory that will facilitate more than 500 homes by 2034. Additional investment will go towards relocating powerlines, water infrastructure in Molonglo Valley, and further expansion of the Ginninderry regeneration precinct.

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil said the agreement was about making it easier for first home buyers to enter the market, particularly in a housing environment that continues to challenge affordability.

“We’re determined to make it easier for young people and first home buyers to achieve the dream of owning a home,” O’Neil said.

“We know the housing market is tough, and we want Australians to know that Labor has got your back.”

The announcement builds on more than $800 million already committed to housing in the ACT since 2022, according to Finance Minister and ACT Senator Katy Gallagher, who said the latest funding would help ensure national housing programs are translating into real supply on the ground.

“We’re working closely with the ACT Government to unlock land and invest in the infrastructure needed to get these homes built sooner,” she said.

For the ACT Government, the agreement aligns with its broader target of delivering 30,000 new homes by 2030, with Chief Minister Andrew Barr pointing to the role of coordinated planning and infrastructure investment in accelerating delivery.

“Now, thanks to our agreement with the Albanese Government, this work is about to reach a new level,” Barr said.

The deal sits within the Federal Government’s broader $45 billion housing agenda, which includes initiatives such as the Housing Australia Future Fund, the Help to Buy shared equity scheme, and incentives aimed at increasing construction capacity and reducing barriers to development.

Joel Robinson

Canberra set for 4,900 new homes under Federal housing deal

The Allan Labor Government has revealed the remaining 23&nbsp;Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres as part of their plan to try and encourage development around some of Melbourne's most connected suburbs.

The new zones includes&nbsp;four smaller ‘neighbourhood centres’ to plan for more modest growth.

<ul>
	<li>Five are connected to the new Metro Tunnel and are now experiencing more services: Caulfield, Springvale, Noble Park, Yarraman (neighbourhood centre), and Dandenong stations.</li>
	<li>Eight are along the Frankston Line, which has recently returned to the City Loop: Hawksburn, Toorak (Beatty Avenue), Armadale (High Street), Malvern (Glenferrie Road), Glen Huntly, Ormond, Bentleigh, and Mentone stations</li>
	<li>Four are along the Sandringham Line, which will see an increase in services later this year: South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor and Elsternwick stations</li>
	<li>Three are on the Belgrave/Lilydale Line and benefit from five-minute peak services on average between Ringwood and the city: Blackburn, Nunawading, and Mitcham stations</li>
	<li>Two neighbourhood centres on the Alamein Line: Ashburton Station, plus a combined centre for the two closest stations on the metropolitan network Riversdale &amp; Willison stations</li>
	<li>One neighbourhood centre, Toorak Village, is a built-up area along the Route 58 tram.</li>
</ul>

The <a href="https://spatial.planning.vic.gov.au/activitycentre/">draft maps</a> will now be subject to detailed community consultation.

A similar process occurred for the first 10 pilot Activity Centres, with clear changes made as a direct result of this community consultation.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/50-new-train-and-tram-zone-activity-centres-to-encourage-new-apartment-development-across-melbourne">50 new ‘train and tram zone’ activity centres to encourage new apartment development across Melbourne</a>

The final train and tram zones will set clear expectations on where new homes can go, cutting out delays, uncertainty and red tape and getting homes off the ground. The remaining two in inner-Melbourne that cover the entire Local Government Areas of Melbourne and Yarra, will go through a separate process.

In the immediate ‘core’ the plans allow for more homes in taller apartment buildings.&nbsp;Some cores have heights of six storeys, while others have up to 20 storeys, only when it is in line with those councils’ planning work.

Eligible buildings across the core will be ‘deemed to comply’ with planning rules and be exempt from VCAT review. Applications in the core that exceed the specified height of the site are not eligible for this fast-tracked pathway.

In the walkable catchments that surround the core, the plans propose gentler height limits and more low-rise apartments and townhouses. Heritage and landscape overlays will stay in place.

Inner catchments, representing up to a five-minute walk from the station or centre, propose limits of four storeys, or six storeys on larger blocks of more than 1,000 sqm, while outer catchments, representing up to a 10-minute walk from the station or centre, propose limits of three storeys, or four storeys on larger blocks of more than 1,000 sqm.

By 2051, train and tram zones will help deliver more than 300,000 new homes, with final plans for all 50 new centres expected to be completed by mid this year.

“We want more Victorians to have the opportunity to live close to public transport, their loved ones, and the things that matter to them,"&nbsp;Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said.

“Whether it’s making it easier to build homes close to public transport, townhouses in our inner suburbs, or family homes with a backyard, our planning reforms are all about giving more Victorians real housing choice.

“While we’re focused on giving more young Victorians the opportunity to have a home of their own, the Liberals are blocking them from being built. They oppose more homes near transport, jobs and services.”

Toorak and South Yarra earmarked for greater density as VIC Gov releases final Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a>'s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/rozelle-village-rozelle-152-victoria-road-rozelle-nsw-2039">Rozelle Village</a> in Sydney's Inner West is the first project to receive funding as part of the Minns Labor Government’s Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, a programme aimed at fast tracking new homes across the state.

More than 225 new apartments, including 59 affordable homes, will now start construction sooner as part of the $285 million Rozelle Village revamp of the derelict former Balmain Leagues Club site on Victoria Road, which received state significant development approval last year under the Infill Affordable Housing pathway.

The mixed-use precinct,&nbsp;designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc">StudioSC</a>,&nbsp;also includes retail spaces, community facilities, and a public plaza.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=335]

The Guarantee is supporting 32 affordable homes off the plan, giving developer PERIFA confidence to secure construction finance and deliver much-needed homes in the Inner West.

This arrangement gives the developer time to lock in a community housing provider to purchase and manage the project’s affordable homes, with a guarantee the Government will buy the 32 units if the level of qualifying pre-sale requirements is not met prior to project completion expected in 2028.

Since the launch of the program in October, 31 expressions of interest have been received from developers across the state, with a third of these already invited to submit full applications.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=325]

In addition to the Rozelle Village project, over $100 million worth of pre-sale commitment requests have been received and are currently under assessment. If approved, this support will unlock the construction of over 350 new homes across metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW.

Under the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee, the Government may commit to buy, off the plan, up to 50 per cent of homes in approved developments, valued at up to $2 million each. Support can range from $5 million to $50 million per project, the Guarantee then allows developers to achieve commercial construction finance.

Up to $1 billion in pre-sales over the next five years will be supported through the revolving fund, making sure more projects can move from approval to construction.

The challenge of meeting pre-sale requirements is one of the most common issues cited by stakeholders in securing finance, and has been outlined as a key hurdle for industry in the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission’s Review of housing supply challenges and policy options for New South Wales. Only developers and projects that meet strict criteria for credibility, capability, and capacity to deliver are approved and invited to participate in the program.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the program is a "smart use of the State's balance sheet."

“This is exactly what the $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee was designed to do - move approved projects from paper to construction," Mookhey said.

“By providing a targeted pre-sale guarantee, we’re giving the market the confidence it needs to secure finance and start construction, without the Government having to spend a dollar upfront."

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said Rozelle Village is a great example of how Labor's housing reforms and initiatives are working together to deliver great results.

“The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee uses the Government’s strong credit standing to help bring to life prime housing developments, including sites like this one in Rozelle that sat dormant for years. It allows more new homes to be delivered faster, creating jobs, and easing housing pressure for families across NSW.

“This project was approved under the Infill Affordable Housing Pathway to deliver 59 affordable homes and now, through the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee, we’re making sure those homes are built sooner.

“By removing planning and financial roadblocks, we’re giving developers and lenders certainty, boosting housing supply, and creating vibrant communities where people want to live which means more people in more new homes quicker.”

PERIFA Group Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said Rozelle Village is set to become the Inner West’s most vibrant, mixed-use precinct catering to the local community and residents.

“The location provides excellent access to local employment and the critical Infrastructure that key workers rely on every day.&nbsp; Strong demand for our development is already evident, with pre-sales for market homes exceeding expectations. As the first developer to be accepted into the NSW Government Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee, we are now able to accelerate construction of these much-needed homes, while working to secure the right Community Housing Provider, ensuring long-term social impact and community benefit.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=8142]

Are more homes on the way? NSW Gov backs first project in Pre-Sale Finance Guarantee program

The Wentworth Park Sporting Complex and its immediate surrounds will make way for new housing and sporting facilities, the latest rezoning play by the Minns Labor Government to meet Sydney's housing supply crisis.

The 3.3-hectare Wentworth Park Sporting Complex will be&nbsp;converted into community sporting fields and public green space, allowing for the rezoning of the surrounding area to support up to 2,500 additional well-located homes.

These are in addition to the 4,800 homes already planned or approved nearby, including around 2,000 homes on the old Sydney Fish Market and neighbouring sites, bringing the precinct total to as many as 7,300 new homes.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/mirvac-to-develop-over-1-400-new-homes-on-former-sydney-fish-market-site">Mirvac to develop over 1,400 new homes on former Sydney Fish Market site</a>

In addition to the new housing and sporting facilities, the Wentworth Park precinct will be immediately adjacent to transport links including a new ferry stop at Sydney Fish Markets, an upgraded light rail station at Wentworth Park, a continuous 15-kilometre coastal boardwalk from the Blackwattle Bay to Woolloomooloo, and the Pyrmont Metro station, which is set to open in 2032.

When the current greyhound lease expires in September 2027, the existing facilities will be demolished and the land transferred to the City of Sydney to be converted into community sports fields. Current estimates suggest around 20 additional sport fields are required in the city area by 2031 in order to meet the needs of the sporting community.

The new 14-hectare park will also be made available for hosting festivals and community events as a condition of the transfer to ensure the new harbourside parklands can be utilised by the whole community.

“We recognise Wentworth Park holds deep history and meaning for many people, and we know some will be disappointed by this change," NSW Premier Chris Minns said, adding however that "cities change, and we&nbsp;have a responsibility to plan for the future.

“Right in the middle of Sydney and connected by rail, light rail, ferries and the future Metro, our plan for the future of Wentworth Park will deliver much-needed new housing while also providing up to 20 new community sporting fields.

“This is more homes, more playing fields and better public spaces, alongside the infrastructure that makes neighbourhoods work. This is homes and community facilities delivered together, not one without the other.”

“This is how we build a fairer and more balanced Sydney. By creating new housing in well-serviced areas, instead of pushing growth to places without the transport and infrastructure to support it.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said&nbsp;Wentworth Park has a long and proud history.

"Today we’re securing its future for the next generation," Scully said.

"This plan keeps land in the public hands and delivers new homes, new sporting facilities and new open space for a community that is growing fast. Our city is changing, and we have a responsibility to make sure people can live near the jobs, education and transport they rely on. We’ll continue working closely with the City of Sydney to deliver this rezoning in a timely way, and we’re ready to step in with a State-led rezoning if it’s needed."

Minns Gov to demolish Wentworth Park Sporting Complex to make way for 2,500 new homes and sporting facilities

The Minns Labor Government and Ku-ring-gai Council are together unlocking more than 24,000 new homes with the finalisation of the alternative Transport Oriented Development scheme.

The finalisation of the scheme brings all 13 councils on board with the Transport Oriented Development program.

The scheme replaces the original Transport Oriented Development planning controls for precincts at Gordon, Killara, Lindfield and Roseville, and provides for an additional 3,300 homes. It also prioritises new open space and infrastructure, while protecting the area’s heritage.

The scheme allows for taller, mixed-use buildings in existing centres and seeks to protect high-value heritage conservation areas and buildings.

Key features of the new scheme include:

<ul>
	<li>Focusing new housing in Gordon and Lindfield, allowing for more high-density mixed-use development, with buildings in the centres ranging from 6-24 storeys (and up to 28 storeys on a key site at Gordon).</li>
	<li>A more moderate housing uplift in Killara and Roseville, with buildings up to 8 storeys in these areas so they transition smoothly between high-density and low-density and heritage areas.</li>
	<li>Boosting affordable housing, with up to 10% of dwellings required for affordable housing on key sites, depending on site feasibility.</li>
	<li>Rezoning some residential areas within 800 metres of train stations for apartment buildings.</li>
	<li>Transitioning building heights near low-density areas to reduce the impact of new development on neighbouring properties.</li>
	<li>Testing of the alternative scheme indicates it will provide capacity for approximately 24,728 homes, compared with 21,430 homes possible under the previous TOD controls.</li>
</ul>

More than 290 written submissions were received by Council following public exhibition of the alternative scheme in April 2025. Council considered the submissions in finalising the alternative scheme submitted to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in June.

Importantly, all development applications lodged or State significant development applications with valid Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements will not be impacted and will continue to be assessed under the TOD SEPP controls.

To make sure the scheme delivers the best outcome for Ku-ring-Gau the NSW Government made a few changes to Council’s plan including:

<ul>
	<li>Increasing height and floor space controls for key sites in Gordon and Lindfield to allow for well-designed taller buildings.</li>
	<li>Changes to heights to improve transitions to surrounding heritage items and heritage conservation areas.</li>
	<li>Amendment of some affordable housing contribution rates to deliver affordable housing on council-owned land.</li>
</ul>

The new planning controls are set out in the Council’s Local Environmental Plan and enable the alternative scheme to take effect. For more information on the Transport Oriented Development program, visit NSW Planning.

“This is a great outcome which will deliver more homes close to transport, jobs and services while also protecting heritage, and responding directly to what the people of Ku-ring-gai said they value most,"&nbsp;Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.

“Importantly the new scheme is set to deliver an additional 3,330 and even more affordable homes. The Minns Labor Government introduced Transport Oriented Development to increase the supply of well-located homes in areas with existing infrastructure and this scheme does exactly that.”

Staff Writer

3,300 extra homes unlocked in Ku-Ring-Gai

The Minns Labor Government and the Inner West Council will partner on rezoning along the Parramatta Road corridor that could deliver around 8,000 new homes close to the CBD.

The proposed rezoning would cover the section of Parramatta Road within the Inner West Local Government Area, complementing work already underway with Inner West Council, Burwood and Canada Bay Council.

This transport corridor which is serviced by a significant number of bus, light rail and train routes is close to the Sydney CBD with direct access to major hospitals including Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, a number of local public schools with existing capacity and green space.

Throughout the rezoning process affordable housing, active transport connections, new open space, retail and commercial opportunities, as well as improvements to the public domain will all be examined.

Sydney is the second least affordable city in the world, with house prices having significantly outstripped wage growth over the last two decades and a NSW Productivity Commission report warning that Sydney is at risk of becoming a city without grandchildren as NSW is losing twice as many young people as it gains each year.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns says&nbsp;Parramatta Road has been talked about for decades with little result.

"It’s time to stop talking and start building. &nbsp;What will transform this major corridor is more homes for people to revitalise this area. That’s what’s needed to deliver more vibrancy to one of our city’s most important corridors.

“We know Sydney is facing a housing crisis. That’s why my Government is working with councils like the Inner West to get homes built faster, and in places with existing services and infrastructure.

“We’re not just planning for more homes, we’re planning for better communities, with more affordable housing, better streetscapes and public spaces, and access to jobs and transport.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully says&nbsp;Parramatta Road needs more homes and jobs in vibrant communities.

"It’s a major transport corridor that connects so many communities to the city but it can be so much than a tired thoroughfare. By working closely with Inner West Council, we’ll make sure planning reflects the needs of local communities while providing the new homes Sydney so desperately needs.”

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will work with council and the relevant State government agencies to progress the rezoning. There are no compulsory acquisitions proposed as part of this plan.

The Minns Labor Government has been leading the way with bold plans to deliver more housing for young people and families who have been locked out of desperately needed new homes

This builds on previous work from the Minns Government to increase homes along the Parramatta Road transport corridor including:

<ul>
	<li>8 projects along Parramatta Road that have been declared State Significant through the Housing Delivery Authority and the Infill Affordable Housing Bonus which could deliver 3,968 homes, including affordable housing.</li>
	<li>Three sites from the government land audit, which will deliver around 800 homes, including social and key worker housing.</li>
	<li>A Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precinct and state-led rezoning at Homebush and North Burwood which combined will deliver up to 33,000 homes.</li>
	<li>And 11 Low and Mid-Rise sites along the length of the corridor.</li>
</ul>

This has been further supported by once in a generation reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government to build more well-located homes for young people and families including the largest rezoning in NSW history and delivering the largest investment in social and affordable housing in the state’s history at $6.6 billion.

&nbsp;

Up to 8,000 new homes planned for Parramatta Road corridor

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an eight-minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43 per cent of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney

The NSW Government will take the lead in rezoning the Burwood North Metro Precinct, that could deliver around 15,000 new homes near the future Sydney Metro station, creating new housing and job opportunities close to transport and services. 
 
The new Burwood North Metro Station provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a thriving inner-west precinct near a world class metro line, just four stations away from the Sydney CBD. 
 
Centred around the new Burwood North Metro Station, the rezoning will deliver a new precinct supported by major public transport links and open space, while rejuvenating another part of the Parramatta Road corridor. 
 
The current Burwood train station and Parramatta Road bus links are also nearby, along with strong local schools and shopping precincts, with the Parramatta River a short distance away. 
 
Burwood Council and Canada Bay Council have both progressed individual masterplans to deliver homes in their Local Government Areas. The NSW Government will build upon the Councils’ plans as well as identify further opportunities for residential growth to better respond to the future Sydney Metro station. 
 
The rezoning is being progressed through the State Significant Rezoning Pathway, which was introduced by the Minns Government to fast-track major rezoning proposals. The State Significant Rezoning Policy, introduced in September 2024, fast tracks the rezoning of key precincts, and existing planning proposals delayed in the planning system. 
 
NSW is in need of bold housing solutions. Sydney is the second least affordable city in the world, with house prices having significantly outstripped wage growth over the last two decades. 
 
A key focus of the state-led rezoning will be to deliver precinct-wide infrastructure that will enable essential services and amenities to be delivered alongside the new housing. 
 
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will now work with both councils and the relevant state government agencies to progress the rezoning, with a draft masterplan expected to be exhibited in the first half of 2026. This will be followed by a final precinct masterplan, at which stage development applications can be lodged under the new planning controls. 
 
This new site builds on the NSW Government’s earlier announcements of state-led and state-assessed rezoning projects. To date, 25 projects have been progressed as state rezonings, with the potential to enable the delivery of an estimated 60,000 homes and 68,000 jobs.

The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW, says the NSW Government’s decision to lead the rezoning of Burwood is an essential move to unlocking much needed housing supply, accelerating the planning system, and ensuring coordinated infrastructure delivery.&nbsp;

“The NSW rezoning process is currently one of the slowest in the country. Any action that helps to speed this up, particularly in well-located areas like Burwood North, should be welcomed,” said UDIA NSW CEO, Stuart Ayres.&nbsp;

“New homes start with rezoned land. That’s why we’re encouraged to see the NSW Government stepping in to lead the process at Burwood North. The more the State can be involved in finalising these complex rezonings, especially where boundaries are shared, the better the outcomes for everyone."

NSW Government to rezone Burwood North and trigger 15,000 new homes near future Sydney Metro Station

The first Queensland budget under the Crisafulli Government places a strong emphasis on housing, with several major policies aimed at shifting from short-term fixes to long-term structural reform.

Treasurer David Janetzki described the housing package as part of a “fresh start,” focused on restoring affordability, boosting supply, and promoting economic security through increased home ownership.

Among the headline initiatives is the $165 million “Boost to Buy” scheme, a shared equity program that will provide up to 30 per cent equity for new homes (and 25 per cent for existing homes) valued up to $1 million. The scheme is open to households earning up to $225,000 and is designed to reduce the deposit burden for first home buyers. Registrations of interest open from 1 July 2025.

This initiative complements the extension of the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant until June 2026, applicable to new builds, and comes alongside the abolition of stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing a new home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109146 project_image_fid=1015]

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said broadening the ‘Boost to Buy’ scheme was a smart, timely step to match market conditions and help more Queenslanders take their first step into home ownership.

“We called for expanded access to shared equity because we know high deposit hurdles are keeping aspiring buyers from getting onto the property ladder,” Mercorella said.

“With suitable income eligibility thresholds of $225,000 for couples and $150,000 for singles and a statewide property value cap of $1&nbsp;million, the scheme reflects modern property prices across Queensland and makes it the most attractive in the nation."

In Greater Brisbane, the annual median house price is $895,000, and in the Brisbane LGA it's $1.21 million. Even for units, annual median unit prices are $770,000 and $735,000 for the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast respectively.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=290045]

“The generous cap ensures the scheme is relevant in all corners of our state including high-demand areas like Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, where the median house price now sits above $1 million. Without this adjustment, the scheme risked being out of touch with the reality faced by many first home buyers today.

“With limited placements and a strict focus on first home buyers, this is a measured and proportionate support mechanism. It represents a small share of overall market activity, is unlikely to distort demand, and may assist in rebalancing housing pressure by helping some renters transition into ownership."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=604]

Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) Chair Nicola McDougall praised the package as a market-aware and practical approach.

“Helping Queenslanders achieve property ownership was front and centre in the 2025–26 State Budget,” McDougall said.

“The Boost to Buy scheme and enhanced grants are pragmatic and market-aligned initiatives. The property price and income thresholds are more in line with market and economic realities, clearly indicating that the Queensland Government is serious about addressing the housing crisis and helping more young people achieve property ownership.”

Beyond direct buyer support, the Budget commits $2 billion to the Residential Activation Fund, with $1 billion allocated in the first year. This fund is aimed at fast-tracking trunk infrastructure, like water, power, and transport connections, for shovel-ready housing developments in both infill and greenfield areas.

The government has also earmarked $5.6 billion for new social and community housing, with a target of 53,500 new homes by 2044, and is investing $31.3 million in 13 new Regional Plans to support projected population growth and urban planning coordination.

McDougall highlighted the importance of long-term investor participation in underpinning Queensland’s rental housing supply.

“PIPA welcomes the opportunity to discuss policies that will not only encourage more property investors into the market but also motivate them to stay for the long-term,” she said.

“Removing stamp duty disparities between owner-occupiers and investors, and updating land tax thresholds to match today’s values, would be simple but powerful next steps.”

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said broadening the ‘Boost to Buy’ scheme was a smart, timely step to match market conditions and help more Queenslanders take their first step into home ownership

Boost to Buy: Queensland Budget targets first home buyers in high-price market

The redevelopment of the old Sydney Fish Market site at Blackwattle Bay is set to deliver more than 1500 homes after the NSW Government fast-tracked a rezoning to unlock an additional 320 homes, in the precinct.

Critically the development will include a 7.5 per cent affordable housing contribution that will remain affordable housing in perpetuity.

The finalised Rezoning Proposal made possible by the Minns Labor Government’s State Significant Rezoning Policy has amended planning controls in the&nbsp;Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 (LEP)&nbsp;to allow more residential floor space as part of the revitalisation of the harbour foreshore.

Sydney is losing twice as many young people as we are gaining with housing costs now the single largest cost to families in our state. This project will deliver critical new homes for these young people and families who have been locked out of housing.&nbsp;

Along with the delivery of new homes close to transport, over half of the Blackwattle Bay precinct will become open and accessible to the public, including a 1.1 hectare waterside park surrounding the southern pylon of the Anzac Bridge.

A new waterfront promenade will complete the missing link of the 15 km foreshore walk connecting Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.

Infrastructure NSW will soon select a development partner to deliver the 3.6-hectare mixed-used site, following an open and competitive expression of interest process.

The three shortlisted developers, Lendlease, Mirvac, and Stockland will submit their proposals for evaluation in July.

The NSW Government will then work with the preferred development partner to commence work on the project as soon as possible, prioritising delivery of public spaces along the waterfront.

When complete, the landmark site will deliver housing, commercial spaces, retail and cultural experiences to create a vibrant, sustainable, and thriving community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The first new homes are expected to be built by 2028, with construction likely to continue steadily delivering more homes for another six to eight years.

The Department publicly exhibited the draft Rezoning Proposal and supporting documentation from 12 December 2024 to 31 January 2025. Feedback received during exhibition helped inform its finalisation.&nbsp;

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with a greater choice of homes, so young people, families, and workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said the Minns Labor Government is removing unnecessary barriers in the planning process to make it easier and faster to build quality homes, close to transport and services,

“This project is an example of that and will now provide more than 1,500 new homes for Blackwattle Bay, while also unlocking the economic and social potential of this unique part of Sydney’s foreshore.

“This is a once-in-a-generation waterfront renewal project that will open a hidden part of the harbour to the city and its people for the first time in over a century while supplying more homes.”

The three shortlisted developers, Lendlease, Mirvac, and Stockland will submit their proposals for evaluation in July.

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