What the 2025 Federal Election Could Mean for Housing in Australia

As Australians prepare to head to the polls for the 2025 federal election, housing is once again shaping up to be a key issue for voters. With rising property prices, rental shortages, and growing demand for affordable housing, each major political party is proposing policies aimed at addressing the nation’s housing challenges.

Whether you're a homeowner, property investor, renter, or industry professional, understanding the different housing policies can help you anticipate changes that may impact the real estate market.

Why Housing Policy Matters

Housing policy influences everything from rental affordability and supply of new dwellings to tax settings for property investors. Federal decisions can affect:

• Property investment returns

• Demand for new housing

• Housing affordability

• Rental supply and regulation

• Infrastructure and urban development

Here’s a summary of the major parties' housing platforms leading into the 2025 election.

Labor Party (ALP)

The Albanese government is seeking re-election with a continued focus on affordability and supply.

Key Housing Policies:

• Help to Buy Scheme: A shared equity initiative allowing eligible buyers to co-purchase a home with the government, reducing the upfront cost. This is being expanded in 2025 to include more places.

• Housing Australia Future Fund: Continued investment in the $10 billion fund, aimed at building 30,000 social and affordable homes over five years.

• National Housing Accord: A partnership between all levels of government, investors, and industry to deliver 1.2 million new homes by 2029.

• Build-to-Rent Incentives: Tax incentives to support large-scale rental developments to increase long-term rental supply.

Impact: These policies are geared toward increasing supply and easing affordability pressures, particularly for low to middle-income Australians.

Coalition (Liberal–National Parties)

The Opposition is focusing on boosting home ownership, particularly among first-time buyers.

Key Housing Policies:

• Super Home Buyer Scheme: Allows first-home buyers to access up to 40% of their superannuation (up to $50,000) for a house deposit.

• Incentives for Local Development: Support for fast-tracking housing approvals and unlocking more land for development, especially in outer suburban and regional areas.

• Opposition to Shared Equity: The Coalition remains critical of government equity schemes, citing concerns about long-term affordability and government involvement in private ownership.

Impact: The Coalition’s emphasis is on home ownership over government-led affordability programs, appealing more to aspiring homeowners and investors.

The Greens

The Greens advocate for systemic reform to housing, with a strong focus on renters' rights and public housing.

Key Housing Policies:

• Build One Million Homes: A proposal to construct one million well-located public and affordable homes over 20 years.

• Universal Rent Caps: A call for national rent controls to limit annual increases and improve housing security for tenants.

• Ban Negative Gearing for New Investors: Proposed phase-out of negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions to curb property speculation.

• Stronger Rights for Renters: National standards for rentals, including a cap on rent increases and better protections against evictions.

Impact: The Greens’ policies are aimed at systemic change, with implications for landlords and investors, especially around rental returns and tax concessions.

Key Takeaways for Property Owners and Investors

• Labor is focused on supply and affordability through partnerships and targeted support for buyers and renters.

• The Coalition is championing home ownership through access to super and development incentives.

• The Greens are calling for bold reforms to housing markets, with emphasis on renters’ rights and public housing.

For property owners and investors, the 2025 election outcome could influence everything from rental yields and tax policy to the rate of new housing development. It’s wise to keep an eye on party platforms and consider how they align with your property goals and investment strategies.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 federal election will help shape the future of housing in Australia. Regardless of the outcome, housing is likely to remain a policy priority, with affordability, supply, and sustainability at the forefront. For those in the property market—whether buying, selling, managing, or renting—staying informed will be essential.

At Tomoro, we’re committed to helping you navigate the changing property landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as the election unfolds.