ACT Budget 2025–26: Property Insights and What They Mean for You

What’s Changing?

The 2025–26 ACT Budget allocates $145.2 million to accelerate housing supply, affordability, and accessibility.

This includes:

• $100 million Affordable Housing Project Fund
• Land release for nearly 26,000 homes across key suburbs
• Incentives for Build-to-Rent and Build-to-Rent-to-Buy developments
• Planning for more housing around urban hubs and transport corridors

What It Means for Developers

Increased Development Activity in Growth Corridors

Locations such as Macnamara, Jacka, Molonglo, Coombs, Wright, and Belconnen will be seeing significant land release. For property developers and strata owners, this means:

• Opportunities to acquire and develop re-zoned multi-unit residential sites
• Potential for capital growth and improved returns through early-stage investment
• Higher property values and improved tenant retention

Boost to the Build-to-Rent Sector

With $12.5 million committed to expanding Build-to-Rent projects, the ACT is sending a clear signal to developers and institutional investors that long-term rental stock is a priority. This creates:

• Potential for joint ventures with Community Housing Providers (CHPs)
• Opportunities to invest in professionally managed rental communities that deliver consistent, long-term returns
• Higher demand for projects that cater to high-quality, tenant-focused living environments

Affordable Housing Projects Mean Greater Diversity in Communities

Over 800 affordable rental homes are being developed by CHPs across Phillip, Curtin, Turner, Taylor, Gungahlin, and Belconnen. These projects are changing the makeup of our communities by:

• Creating incentives and faster approvals for developers including affordable units
• Boosting property value and cohesion through community diversity
• Necessitating inclusive governance practices whin strata schemes

What It Means for Buyers and Investors

Eased Entry into the Market

The Home Buyer Concession Scheme, Pensioner Duty Concession Scheme, and Disability Duty Concession Scheme will have their thresholds raised to $1.02 million from July 2025. This means:

• Lower upfront costs for eligible buyers
• Increased purchasing power and flexibility
• Greater competition in the mid-tier housing market

Better Support for Delayed Builds

Homebuyers affected by delays in construction under the Affordable Home Purchase Scheme will receive targeted financial support. This enhances buyer confidence in off-the-plan and house-and-land packages – an important consideration for developers managing pre-sales.

What It Means for Tenants and the Broader Community

A Stronger Social Safety Net

Increased funding for crisis accommodation, homelessness services, and long-term housing for individuals with complex needs means:

• A more inclusive rental market
• Implementation of trauma-informed and accessible management practices
• More consideration for social outcomes in property design and management

Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Public Housing

The government’s ongoing transformation of its public housing stock is setting a benchmark in sustainability and accessibility. This is an evolving standard that strata communities may need to meet in future retrofits or upgrades.

We’re here to help you navigate these changes, whether that means managing new strata schemes, advising on development compliance, or guiding investors through an evolving market.

Get in touch with our team to find out how we can support your next move in the ACT property sector.