{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationResidential property taxes need overhaul to unlock housing supply (ACT)
Residential property taxes need overhaul to unlock housing supply (ACT)
Member and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
“The housing industry has been a strong supporter of the ACT Government’s plan to phase out stamp duty and replace with more predictable and efficient taxes,” said Greg Weller, HIA Executive Director ACT/Sthn NSW.
“Stamp duty discourages people from moving for employment, is a disincentive to downsize and make better use of existing housing stock and is an impediment to home ownership.
“However, the increases in general rates and land tax over the forward estimates far outstrip the corresponding reduction in stamp duty.
“The ACT Government forecasts to collect $258 million more in 2027/28 in revenue from general rates and land tax compared to 2023/24. However, stamp duty is only forecast to fall by $30 million over this period.
“The other tax that must go is the new dwelling killer, the Lease Variation Charge (LVC) tax.
“This housing tax is the most commonly cited reason that the feasibility of projects won’t stack up – particularly for the failing dual occupancy reform in RZ1 and for ‘missing middle’ low rise multi-residential dwellings.
“But in aggregate, it actually doesn’t bring a lot to the table at budget time.
“It is an incredibly inefficient tax, as it puts upwards of $50,000 on new homes yet it only brings in around 3.2% of total property taxes. If the ACT Government really wanted to kickstart housing, it could wipe out both these taxes in the next four years and still be revenue neutral as it has promised this reform would be.
“Ahead of this year’s ACT election, parties and candidates need to put these taxes under the microscope if they are serious on addressing housing affordability and increasing housing supply in the Territory,” concluded Mr Weller.
For more information please contact:
Agreement unlocks long-awaited land for new homes in the ACT
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the agreement between the ACT and Commonwealth Governments to facilitate the redevelopment of the under-utilised CSIRO land, describing it as an important step towards increasing housing supply in the Territory.
Update: contracts signed before 1 July 2026 and optional cover
HIA will continue to update you as we receive further advice and information on the ongoing transition from Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) to the First Resort Home Warranty Scheme (FRHWS).
Six-month lifeline no substitute for permanent fire testing solution
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the decision to extend the lease of CSIRO's North Ryde fire testing facility by six months, saying the announcement provides valuable breathing space but does not resolve the long-term threat to Australia's building product testing capability.
Response to Unfair Trading Practices protections for small businesses Consultation Paper
HIA took the opportunity to respond to the Treasury on the Consultation Paper on Unfair Trading Practices protections for small businesses, which includes proposals to extend protections to ‘small businesses’ as consumers, business-to-business dealings and franchisees not already captured by the small business definition.