With Anthony Albanese securing another term, Australia’s property market faces fresh promises—and uncertainty. What does Labor’s continued leadership mean for buyers, renters, and investors?
Here’s what you need to know, without the jargon, to keep ahead of the curve.
Easier entry for first-home buyers
Labor’s flagship policy—the expanded Help to Buy scheme—means first-time buyers can secure homes with just a 2% deposit, and without paying lenders’ mortgage insurance (LMI). For many younger Australians, that’s a leg up that seemed out of reach.
This shared equity approach allows eligible buyers earning up to $100,000 (singles) or $160,000 (couples) to buy alongside the government, which contributes up to 40% of the property price for new builds (30% for existing homes).
Why does it matter? This could open the door to home ownership for thousands who’ve found traditional entry barriers too steep. Yet, critics ask: could easier money inadvertently inflate prices further?
A pipeline of affordable housing
Labor has committed to delivering 1.2 million new homes by 2029, including 100,000 affordable and energy-efficient homes. With sustainability top-of-mind, these builds aim to meet or surpass a 7-star energy rating.
But—there’s always a but—industry capacity, state cooperation, and inflation pressures could slow the pace. Still, the push signals a solid commitment to easing supply pressures and potentially stabilising prices.
Quick stat: Over 30% of Australians own their home outright, cushioning the market from potential modest price dips—important context if prices ease slightly in response to increased supply.
Investors: Stable taxes but rising competition?
Good news for investors: Labor won’t change negative gearing or capital gains tax—avoiding shocks to investment strategies. However, shifts in the market might come from elsewhere.
Labor’s introduction of tax incentives for Build-to-Rent developments could reshape the rental landscape. These professionally managed, longer-term rental properties may drive competition, pushing private landlords to lift their game.
Meanwhile, steady migration continues fueling rental demand, providing investors with stable, albeit competitive, market conditions.
Renters: Stronger protections ahead?
Though Labor resisted Greens-led calls for strict rent caps, expect incremental changes that could bolster renters’ rights. Likely reforms include minimum rental standards and clearer guidelines for fair rent increases, driven by the growing political clout of Greens and Independents.
Could your rental conditions improve? Possibly. Keep an eye on legislation changes—negotiations will shape outcomes significantly.
Sustainability front and centre
With climate-conscious Independents and Greens influencing policy, expect faster shifts toward mandatory net-zero housing standards. Think more solar panels, better insulation, battery storage grants, and zero-carbon building codes becoming commonplace sooner rather than later.
If you plan to renovate or buy new, green isn’t just trendy—it’s becoming essential.
Market impact: Myth versus reality
You might have heard election years trigger property market upheaval, but history (and plenty of data) tells a calmer story. While short-term uncertainty might cause brief pauses, market fundamentals—interest rates, supply, demand—hold the real sway.
Did you know? Historically, election-induced hesitations quickly fade once results are clear, meaning savvy buyers and investors rarely let political cycles disrupt long-term strategies.
Actionable steps for your property plans
| First-home buyers: Check your eligibility for Help to Buy and other low-deposit schemes.
| Investors: Monitor Build-to-Rent developments; evaluate competition and rental yield impacts.
| Renters: Stay informed about potential rental protections and standards improvements.
| Renovators and buyers: Explore energy-efficient home upgrades now to benefit from emerging incentives.
Labor’s victory signals meaningful—but measured—change. Property fundamentals remain solid despite tweaks around affordability and sustainability. As always, informed decisions will outpace reactions driven by uncertainty.
After all, isn’t the Australian property market always just a little uncertain? That’s part of its charm—if you play it smart.
Contact us now for expert advice tailored to your property plans.
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