The Property Council of Australia has welcomed today's announcement by the Albanese and Barr Governments to unlock thousands of new homes in the ACT, including a significant pipeline of homes set aside exclusively for first home buyers.
Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the agreement was an important step toward helping more Canberrans overcome the biggest barrier to home ownership – access to new, affordable supply.
"This announcement is a positive step toward getting more first home buyers onto the property ladder by increasing the number of homes that can actually be built," Ms Berry said.
"We know first home buyers are being squeezed by high costs and limited choice. The most effective way to ease pressure is to deliver more homes, in the right locations, supported by the infrastructure needed to bring them to market."
Under the agreement, around 4,900 homes will be unlocked across the ACT, including more than 1,700 homes reserved for first home buyers, supported by Commonwealth funding for enabling infrastructure that would otherwise delay or prevent development.
Ms Berry said targeted investment in infrastructure was critical to turning planning approvals into completed homes.
"Too often, housing projects are approved but stalled because the enabling infrastructure isn't in place. By funding the roads, services and utilities needed upfront, governments can help accelerate delivery and give first home buyers a real chance to compete," she said.
Ms Berry said the announcement aligned with the Property Council's consistent advocacy for governments to focus on housing supply and long-term certainty.
"If we're serious about improving housing affordability, we need sustained, coordinated action across planning, infrastructure and delivery," she said.
"This deal sends an important signal that governments understand supply is the key to affordability and that industry partnerships are essential to making housing delivery happen."
Ms Berry said the Property Council would continue working with both governments so that the projects identified under the agreement are delivered as quickly as possible, and that future housing initiatives continue to prioritise supply, choice and affordability for first home buyers.
"For first home buyers, owning a home is about stability, security and putting down roots. Today's announcement is a welcome step toward making that aspiration achievable for more Canberrans", Ms Berry said.
