In brief:

• There are several changes taking effect in the ACT from 1 July 2026.
• First home buyers no longer have to pay stamp duty.
• Missing middle changes make it easier to build more low-rise housing.
• Canberrans can borrow more to make their home more energy efficient.
• Tertiary students don’t have to pay for more than 30 public transport rides each month.

There are several legislation and policy changes taking effect in the ACT from 1 July 2026.

These stand to benefit thousands of Canberrans.

Here’s all you need to know.

Stamp duty exemptions

First home buyers no longer have to pay stamp duty when buying a home.

This makes the ACT is the first state or territory in Australia to remove stamp duty for first home buyers.

Stamp duty exemptions will also be available to:

• pensioners
• eligible National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
• home buyers who have not owned property in the last five years.

This will make it easier for older Canberrans to move to homes that better suit their needs, while freeing up more larger homes for families.

Read more about stamp duty concessions.

Missing Middle Housing Reforms

Missing Middle Housing Reforms will make it easier to build more low-rise homes through changes to the planning system.

These changes support a wider range of homes, such as duplexes, townhouses and terraces, being built in established suburbs.

To help with the construction of missing middle homes, a Canberra House Pattern Book will be developed to provide architect-designed plans for low-rise, medium-density homes.

This will allow builders to start construction on a new home sooner with pre-approved plans.

Read more about the Missing Middle Housing Reforms.

Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) expanded

The SHS loan cap has been lifted to $20,000 for new participants to the scheme.

This means Canberrans will be able to borrow more money to invest in energy-efficient upgrades and products for their home.

They can also use the loan to purchase a new or used electric vehicle.

Read more about the Sustainable Household Scheme.

Changes to tertiary student public transport caps

Full-time university and TAFE students don’t have to pay for more than 30 trips a month in 2026–27.

The monthly MyWay+ tertiary student fare cap is reduced from 40 to 30 paid trips for the financial year. All travel on bus and light rail services is free for the rest of the month once the cap is reached.

This reduction follows a three-month period of reduced fare caps introduced in response to the impacts of the global fuel shock.

Read more about student travel concessions.

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