As the federal election on 3 May 2025 approaches, the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), in collaboration with the REIV, has released its 7-Point Election Commitments: A Home for All Australians. The 202 Federal Election Guide outlines industry-identified policy priorities to assist the real estate sector. It requests responses from the major political parties on their policies addressing housing supply and affordability, cutting red tape for small businesses and bolstering workforce capabilities. The guide provides policy suggestions focusing on removing barriers to home ownership, ensuring adequate housing supply, and preparing the industry for upcoming reforms, including new Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) obligations.
The major political parties have indicated their housing policies ahead of next month’s election. The Coalition's plan includes early access to super for first-home buyers, tax offsets on mortgage payments, cutting red tape for small businesses, and adjusting migration levels to ease housing demand pressures. Labor’s housing policy focuses on expanding its Help to Buy shared equity and first homebuyer guarantee schemes, alongside a $10 billion commitment to build 100,000 new homes exclusively for first homebuyers and provide energy and cost-of-living relief for small businesses.
The Greens have proposed further sweeping changes, including a national rent freeze, major public housing investment, and significant adjustments to negative gearing and capital gains tax concession settings. If changes to tax settings were legislated, research indicates significant impacts on rental supply. In contrast, the major parties have committed to retaining current tax settings.
With housing at a critical juncture, this election is pivotal in shaping sustainable policies to benefit Australians, our businesses, and communities. Make your vote count by downloading and sharing this guide to help others stay informed.