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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationHIA applauds Council move to give first home builders a break
HIA applauds Council move to give first home builders a break
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HIA Executive Director Tasmania, Benjamin Price, said the announcement is a win for Tasmanians who are trying to break into the housing market at a time when every dollar counts.
“For first home buyers, this is real money staying in their pockets when they need it most,” Mr Price said.
“Building a new home is already a big commitment for many Tasmanians. Taking rates off the table for the first year helps ease that upfront pressure and makes building feel even more achievable.”
Mr Price said the decision is also good news for local builders, trades and suppliers.
“Every new home that gets built supports local jobs and keeps our small businesses busy. This is exactly the kind of practical, common sense support councils can provide to help relieve housing pressures.”
He said the move comes at the perfect time, with clear signs that first home buyers are re entering the Tasmanian market.
“First home buyer activity in Tasmania is already one of the few bright spots in the market.
“On the HIA data to September 2025, lending to first home buyers was up almost 18% over the previous year, siting nearly 20% above the decade average. That tells us young Tasmanians want to build, they just need practical, real world support to make the numbers work.
“With land prices having more than doubled in the past eight years, every dollar counts. This new rate’s waiver will give first home builders genuine breathing room at exactly the moment they need it.”
Mr Price said the decision also sends a positive signal that councils are willing to help tackle housing affordability, rather than simply regulating around the edges.
“Tasmania desperately needs more new homes, and incentives like this encourage people to choose to build rather than give up. When councils step up with practical solutions, it makes a genuine difference.”
HIA congratulated the Brighton Council for backing first home buyers and urged other local governments across Tasmania to consider similar measures to help bring more new homes to market.
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