The 2021-22 WA Budget lacks bold housing reform, despite the state boasting a record budget surplus of $5.6 billion.
REIWA President Damian Collins said the Institute was pleased to see the $875 million investment in social housing and a two-year extension to the off-the-plan stamp duty rebate but was disappointed the WA Government had not committed to stamp duty reform.
We welcome the investment in social housing to help address the states housing shortage, however more needs to be done to increase housing supply in the private rental market.
The private sector provides the vast majority of housing and issues such as stamp duty, as well as the current review of the Residential Tenancies Act and its implications, can have a material impact on the supply of rental housing, Mr Collins said.
The WA Government announced they will be extending the off-the-plan stamp duty rebate until 24 October 2023 at a reduced rate of 50 per cent (down from 75 per cent).
We are pleased the off-the-plan stamp duty rebate has been extended, albeit at a reduced rate, and urge the WA Government to consider making this a permanent feature of the states property tax system to ensure an ongoing pipeline of projects, a steady supply of diverse housing and to aid in the creation of jobs for West Australians, Mr Collins said.
Missed opportunity for stamp duty reform
In the lead up to the 2021-22 WA Budget, REIWA called for four key areasof stamp duty reform to improve the efficiency and equity of the WA property market.
- Introduce a two-stream revenue collection method for stamp duty.
- Provide immediate $10,000 stamp duty relief for those aged 65 and over.
- Lock in the off-the-plan stamp duty rebate.
- Remove stamp duty on the purchase of small businesses.
Whilst the extension of the off-the-plan rebate is welcomed, we are disappointed none of the other reforms were considered. We are particularly disappointed no consideration was given to implementing a two-stream stamp duty revenue collection method, Mr Collins said.
REIWAs recommendation for a two-stream revenue collection model for stamp duty would give purchasers the option to pay stamp duty upfront (as is currently the case) or opt for an ongoing annual fee, calculated at the purchase price of the property.
Stamp duty is an important revenue earner for the WA Government, but it is also an inefficient and inequitable tax that actively discourages home ownership and makes it significantly more difficult for West Aussies to move more frequently, Mr Collins said.
Reforming stamp duty by implementing a two-stream revenue collection method would remove one of the biggest financial hurdles buyers face and result in a significant productivity boost for our economy
The WA Government has missed a golden opportunity in the 2021-22 Budget to take advantage of the states enviable coffers to deliver bold housing reform that eases one of the most exorbitant cost burdens associated with home ownership.
