Australia has voted, and the Albanese-led Labor Government will continue in office following the 2025 Federal Election. With housing front and centre during the campaign, buyers and owners alike are now looking to understand what Labor’s renewed term means for them.
If you’re a first-home buyer, upgrader, investor, or refinancer, Labor’s renewed mandate could shape your next move, from policy shifts to property prices. Here’s a simple, straight-talking breakdown of what to expect and what you can do next.
Key takeaways
First-home buyers
More support to enter the market, including shared equity and low-deposit schemes.
Upgraders
A pipeline of new homes and stable interest rates offer a strategic window to move.
Investors
No tax changes, but Build-to-Rent and migration trends may reshape competition.
Refinancers
No mortgage relief policy, but lenders are still aggressively competing for business.
Labor’s housing commitments: From promise to policy
1.2 million new homes by 2029
At the heart of Labor’s housing plan is the National Housing Accord, a commitment to deliver 1.2 million new, well-located homes over five years.
This is a coordinated push, involving federal, state, and local governments, alongside developers, super funds, and community housing providers. Source: treasury.gov.au
Why it matters:
Could ease supply constraints and reduce price pressure
May increase housing choice, especially in growth corridors
Could benefit upgraders and families looking for more space
Help to Buy: Shared equity, lower deposits
One of Labor’s centrepiece housing policies is Help to Buy, a shared equity scheme allowing eligible Australians to buy a home with a deposit as low as 2%, with the government contributing up to 40% of the property price (new builds) or 30% (existing homes).
Eligibility:
Singles earning up to $100,000
Couples earning up to $160,000
Property price caps apply and vary by location
Buyers can buy out the government’s share over time
Source: treasury.gov.au
Why it matters:
Lowers the barrier to entry for buyers with steady income but limited savings
Complements other schemes like:
First Home Guarantee: 5% deposit, no LMI
State-based stamp duty concessions
Expanding the Home Guarantee Scheme
Labor has also committed to continuing and expanding three key federal programs:
First Home Guarantee
Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee
Family Home Guarantee
These allow eligible buyers to purchase with just 5% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
Source: Housing Australia Schemes
What’s changed?
More places available annually
Expanded eligibility for household types (e.g. single parents, friends, siblings)
Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF)
The $10 billion HAFF is designed to:
Deliver 30,000 new social and affordable homes over five years
Support essential workers (teachers, nurses, etc.)
Source: alp.org.au
While not a direct benefit to buyers, the HAFF could ease rental market pressure by providing more supply for vulnerable groups which in turn, benefits investors and renters alike.
Build-to-Rent (BTR) Tax Incentives
Labor’s new tax incentives for Build-to-Rent developments aim to:
Attract institutional investment in long-term rentals
Increase professionally managed rental housing
Improve quality and tenure security for renters
This could reshape Australia’s rental landscape, particularly in cities.
Source: Federal Budget 2024-25
What it means for you
For first-home buyers
What’s changing:
Easier access to home ownership via Help to Buy and low-deposit schemes
Support for a wider range of buyers, including singles, couples, and single parents
Action step: Check your borrowing power and see which schemes you’re eligible for with an Aussie Broker.
For upgraders
What’s changing:
More homes in the pipeline may open options in your desired area
Interest rates remain steady, but experts forecast cuts in late 2025
Action step: Use your equity to upgrade before buyer demand (and prices) rise again.
For investors
What’s changing:
No changes to negative gearing or CGT
Migration continues to fuel rental demand
BTR developments could boost rental competition in select areas
Action step: Use the Aussie App to track equity, monitor growth suburbs, and explore rental yield opportunities.
For refinancers
What’s changing:
No mortgage relief in the Budget or election platform
But competition between lenders remains fierce
Borrowers on older loans may still be overpaying
Action step: Book a refinance appointment and explore what you could save today.
Why timing still matters
Interest rates have stayed on hold through early 2025, but many economists expect cuts later this year. If that happens, borrowing power could rise, buyer activity may ramp up, and prices could lift, especially in areas with limited supply.
Acting early could give you a competitive edge before demand picks up. Source: view.com.au
How Aussie can help
Whether you're just starting your journey or ready to make a move, Aussie can help you:
Understand if you are eligible for Help to Buy or Home Guarantee schemes
Estimate what you can afford with our Borrowing Power Calculator
Track your property’s equity and potential with Live Equity
Access guidance from trusted Aussie Brokers and Buyer’s Agents
Labor’s win brings policy clarity, but success still belongs to the prepared.
Let’s plan your next property move, together.
