New housing changes, tax reforms and cost of living measures begin today to support Canberrans, following the 2026-27 ACT Budget.
From today, Canberra’s first home buyers no longer pay stamp duty. No price thresholds or income tests. The tax is abolished forever for first home buyers.
The reform is part of a broader package to make home ownership more achievable for Canberrans. The exemption for first home buyers will also be extended for pensioners and eligible National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants. Pensioners will now receive a full stamp duty remission when downsizing, helping them move into homes that better suit their needs while freeing up larger homes for families. Stamp duty has also been abolished for owner-occupiers purchasing new unit-titled properties, including turn-key and off-the-plan units, supporting new housing supply.
The Government’s landmark Missing Middle Housing Reforms also commence today, allowing townhouses, terraces, low-rise apartments, and a wider range of multi-occupancy housing to be built on RZ1 blocks. A new Missing Middle Design Guide also takes effect today to support good design outcomes.
To encourage builders to take up the reforms, the codified Lease Variation Charge (LVC) will be halved from today for eligible missing middle housing developments in RZ1 and RZ2 areas, lowering the cost of building additional dwellings.
These reforms will help renters as well as home buyers. By increasing the supply and diversity of housing in established suburbs, more homes will become available across the city over time, improving choice and helping to ease pressure in the rental market.
Other cost of living measures commencing from 1 July include:
- The Sustainable Household Scheme loan cap is being expanded to $20,000, providing greater capacity to invest in energy-efficient upgrades and products.
- The monthly fare cap for tertiary students is being reduced from 40 to 30 paid trips. All travel is free for the rest of the month once the cap is reached, following the three-month period of reduced fare caps.
- An extra month of fuel excise cuts funded by the ACT Government to support Canberrans with transport costs.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
“From today, first home buyers in Canberra will never pay stamp duty again.
“We are the first jurisdiction in Australia to abolish stamp duty permanently for first home buyers. It’s a milestone reform that removes one of the biggest barriers to home ownership.
“At the same time, we’re increasing housing supply through planning reform and investments in new homes, because housing affordability requires both tax reform and more homes.”
Quotes attributable to Treasurer and Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development Chris Steel:
“These planning reforms will support the gentle urbanism of our city by permitting new homes in existing suburbs, while keeping what we love about our streets and neighbourhoods.
“For renters, families, and older people who want to age in place, this will mean more housing choice where they want to live.
“The Government expects a gradual take-up of the zoning reforms over several decades with new homes built in suburbs right across the city.”
