The 2025–26 Federal Budget has landed, and with an election looming, housing is firmly in the spotlight. Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveiled a $33 billion housing plan aimed at making homeownership more accessible and boosting supply across Australia.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what it means for buyers, real estate agents, and investors alike.
The government is injecting an extra $800 million into the Help to Buy scheme, increasing its total value to $6.3 billion. The initiative allows eligible first-home buyers to purchase a property with as little as 2% deposit, while the government takes an equity stake of up to 40% for new homes (or 30% for existing).
Income caps raised:
Singles: $90K → $100K
Couples: $120K → $160K
Property price caps will now reflect the average house price in each state or territory — giving buyers more choice.
Applications are expected to open later in the year — assuming the government is re-elected.
$54 million is being channelled into modern construction methods like prefabricated and modular homes, aimed at speeding up the build time and reducing red tape.
$49.3M goes to states and territories to ramp up prefab home programs.
$4.7M will create a national certification system to ensure quality and consistency.
The goal? Deliver 1.2 million new homes by 2029.
From 1 July 2025, new construction apprentices will receive $10,000 in payments during their training — a big win for encouraging more young people to enter the trades.
Plus:
Employers of apprentices in priority trades may score up to $5,000 through extended incentive programs.
With a housing shortage looming, this investment is crucial to ensuring we have enough hands on deck to build the homes we need.
In a bold move to ease local competition, the budget introduces a 2-year ban on foreign investment in existing properties, starting April 1, 2025.
To back it up:
The ATO will get $5.7M to enforce the ban.
Another $8.9M is aimed at cracking down on land banking by foreign buyers — pushing vacant land into actual development.
Everyone gets a little breather — the budget includes a $150 energy rebate (automatically applied quarterly from July 1) to help households manage rising costs.
Whether you're a buyer, seller, investor, or real estate professional — these changes affect how we approach the market:
First home buyers will find it easier to get a foot in the door.
Builders and developers may see faster approvals and increased demand.
Investors need to watch changes to foreign buyer rules.
Energy rebates offer some relief to renters and homeowners alike.
Final Thoughts from Shirlz
As always, change creates opportunity. The key is staying informed, planning ahead, and getting advice tailored to your goals. If you’re wondering what this all means for your property plans — I’m always here for a cuppa and a chat.
Want help navigating the property market in 2025?
Let’s talk. I’m here to help you make smart, confident moves.
The 2025–26 Federal Budget has landed, and with an election looming, housing is firmly in the spotlight. Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveiled a $33 billion housing plan aimed at making homeownership more accessible and boosting supply across Australia.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what it means for buyers, real estate agents, and investors alike.
The government is injecting an extra $800 million into the Help to Buy scheme, increasing its total value to $6.3 billion. The initiative allows eligible first-home buyers to purchase a property with as little as 2% deposit, while the government takes an equity stake of up to 40% for new homes (or 30% for existing).
Income caps raised:
Singles: $90K → $100K
Couples: $120K → $160K
Property price caps will now reflect the average house price in each state or territory — giving buyers more choice.
Applications are expected to open later in the year — assuming the government is re-elected.
$54 million is being channelled into modern construction methods like prefabricated and modular homes, aimed at speeding up the build time and reducing red tape.
$49.3M goes to states and territories to ramp up prefab home programs.
$4.7M will create a national certification system to ensure quality and consistency.
The goal? Deliver 1.2 million new homes by 2029.
From 1 July 2025, new construction apprentices will receive $10,000 in payments during their training — a big win for encouraging more young people to enter the trades.
Plus:
Employers of apprentices in priority trades may score up to $5,000 through extended incentive programs.
With a housing shortage looming, this investment is crucial to ensuring we have enough hands on deck to build the homes we need.
In a bold move to ease local competition, the budget introduces a 2-year ban on foreign investment in existing properties, starting April 1, 2025.
To back it up:
The ATO will get $5.7M to enforce the ban.
Another $8.9M is aimed at cracking down on land banking by foreign buyers — pushing vacant land into actual development.
Everyone gets a little breather — the budget includes a $150 energy rebate (automatically applied quarterly from July 1) to help households manage rising costs.
Whether you're a buyer, seller, investor, or real estate professional — these changes affect how we approach the market:
First home buyers will find it easier to get a foot in the door.
Builders and developers may see faster approvals and increased demand.
Investors need to watch changes to foreign buyer rules.
Energy rebates offer some relief to renters and homeowners alike.
Final Thoughts from Shirlz
As always, change creates opportunity. The key is staying informed, planning ahead, and getting advice tailored to your goals. If you’re wondering what this all means for your property plans — I’m always here for a cuppa and a chat.
Want help navigating the property market in 2025?
Let’s talk. I’m here to help you make smart, confident moves.