Increasing housing in the ACT

Housing in the ACT

Every Canberran should have a safe and secure place to call home.

The cost to rent or buy a home is rising across the country and many are struggling to find a home in the private rental market.

At the same time the ACT is growing rapidly. We’ve had the fastest growing population of any state or territory over the last 10 years.

By 2030 we are expecting to have 500,000 residents. This population growth is increasing demand for housing in the ACT and surrounds.

What we are doing

Across government we’re looking to address housing challenges by improving access to housing and increasing supply and choice.

We’re working to:

• build connected and sustainable communities in new suburban areas
• respond to our city's changing needs
• enhance Canberra's liveability and strengthen social inclusion
• provide more housing close to jobs and public transport

To do this we’re investing in a range of programs to create more affordable housing options and support people to access them.

Learn more about what we are doing to increase housing in the ACT Housing Strategy.

Increasing social and affordable housing

Our plans for housing in 2023-24

An additional $345 million was allocated in the 2023-24 ACT Budget to increase housing choice, access and affordability.

Public housing growth, repairs and renewal

The ACT Government’s 11,500 public housing dwellings represent 6.2 per cent of the ACT’s total households. That’s twice the national average.

Public housing tenants deserve to live in accommodation that is safe, secure and meets their needs.

By 2026–27 our goal is to:

• deliver 400 new public housing homes
• renew 1,000 public housing properties.

In the 2023-24 Budget, the ACT Government invested an additional:

• $55.9 million to deliver 140 new public housing dwellings
• $177.1 million for Housing ACT operations, repairs and maintenance.

The Commonwealth Government is also providing $50 million to support the ACT’s public housing.

Read more about public housing in the ACT.

Affordable Housing Land Tax Exemption scheme

The Affordable Community Housing Land Tax Exemption scheme (the scheme) supports our community to access affordable housing through the private rental market.

Under the scheme eligible property owners can get a full land tax exemption.

To be eligible you must be a property owner renting your property:

• at less than 75% of market rate
• to eligible tenants through an approved property management providers.

There are 2 approved property management services in the ACT that can manage your property, Rentwell and HomeGround.

Visit the ACT Revenue Office website to find out how you can rent your home through the scheme.

Community housing growth and support

Community Housing Provider’s are an important partner to us. They offer community housing as social housing or affordable rentals to people on low to moderate incomes.

Community Housing Providers may own the homes or manage them on behalf of other owners.

We support registered Community Housing providers to develop the community housing sector in the ACT.

We are working to increase the availability of rental options that:

• cost less than the market rate
• are in energy efficient homes
• are close to services and employment opportunities.

We’re developing a pipeline of community housing land and dwellings to increase the amount of affordable housing options in Canberra.  This will be offered to Community Housing providers to deliver.

We’re also working with the community housing sector on opportunities through the Commonwealth Government, such as the National Housing Accord and other initiatives.

Read more about the types of community housing and affordable housing options in the ACT.

Find out more about how we're supporting community housing growth in the Affordable Rental Prospectus [PDF 1.4 MB].

Affordable Housing Project Fund

The $60 million Affordable Housing Project Fund was established in the 2023-24 ACT Budget.

The fund aims to grow the supply of affordable rental properties in Canberra and strengthen the community housing sector.

Six projects have already been identified for financial support under the fund, including:

• Five community-housing-provider-led Build-to-Rent projects with an affordable rental component on existing land.
• The first women’s housing build-to-rent-to-buy pilot program at Ginninderry.

In total, projects supported under the Fund are expected to deliver about 280 new affordable rental properties in Canberra.

You can submit a proposal for government help if you’re a:

• community housing provider or
• Build-to-Rent operator with a shovel-ready opportunity.

Build-to-Rent

Build-to-Rent is a housing model that offers housing:

• for long term rentals
• under single ownership
• with high quality common spaces and amenities for residents.

The Build-to-Rent model aims to improve the rental market by delivering:

• a large number of rental properties
• more housing options for residents of the ACT.

Individual dwellings in Build-to-Rent developments do not need separate unit titles. This reduces property tax through lower fixed charges. This is an important tax incentive to encourage developers to consider Build-to-Rent options.

We’re also supporting the delivery of Build-to-Rent projects with affordable rental housing on nominated sites as part of the land release program.

Read more about investing in Build-to-Rent housing in the ACT.

Planning reforms

We have a new Planning Act and Territory Plan and introduced District Strategies.

The new planning system focuses on achieving better development outcomes for the community and the environment.

The new system will help:

• grow low and medium density housing in existing suburbs
• allow a greater range of housing options near employment, amenities and other services.

The reforms include:

• updated provisions for development in residential zones to allow more dwellings to be built
• providing more flexibility to allow for more innovative developments.
• allowing community housing in community facility zones (where associated with a place of worship, religious associated use or supportive housing).

Read more about planning and development requirements in the ACT.

Land release

The ACT Government releases the Indicative Land Release Program each year with the goal to meet the housing needs of our population.

The future supply of land and development in the ACT relies on contributions not only from the ILRP but through the release of land by the Commonwealth Government and through private development opportunities.

Find our planned land release on the Planning website.

Find land for sale on the Suburban Land Agency and City Renewal Authority websites.

Tax reform

Stamp duty has been cut in every ACT Budget since the beginning of the tax reform program in 2012. These stamp duty cuts target the lowest thresholds for owner-occupiers.

By cutting stamp duty we are removing a significant barrier to owning a home.

Visit the Treasury website to learn more about tax reform.

Read more

Read the Budget 2023-24: Increasing housing choice, access and affordability summary

Read the Affordable Rental Prospectus [PDF 1.4 MB]

Read the ACT Housing Strategy 2018 to 2028

The Office of the Coordinator-General for Housing coordinates the many areas across ACT Government that intersect with housing.