THE Queensland Government has announced major housing initiatives in the 2025-26 budget, aiming to boost home ownership and address the housing crisis.
Premier David Crisafulli outlined a $8.1 billion, five-year investment plan to help deliver one million homes over the next 20 years, with a focus on affordability and accessibility.
A key feature is the new Boost to Buy shared equity scheme, the most generous in Australia. It offers up to 30 per cent equity contributions for new homes, and 25 per cent for existing properties, up to a $1 million value. Households earning $225,000 or less are eligible.
This is in addition to the existing $30,000 Home Buyer Grant, which has been extended until June 2026.
Industry leaders, including REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella, praised the expanded access, noting it reflected modern property prices across Queensland.
Ms Mercorella highlighted how rising property values, with Brisbane’s median house price at $1.21 million, had made homeownership harder for many, making this support timely and relevant across key regions like Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
The Government also plans to streamline the ex-gratia relief process for foreign-owned housing projects.
Another major initiative is the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, aimed at fast-tracking critical infrastructure to unlock land and enable housing projects to begin more quickly.
While the Budget has been welcomed by property professionals, concerns remain about housing supply.
Housing Industry Association Queensland’s Mike Roberts emphasised the private sector’s role in delivering the majority of housing, and urged the Government to focus on boosting supply.
Both Ms Mercorella and Property Investment Professionals of Australia’s Nicola McDougall stressed the need for ongoing reforms.
These include stamp duty changes and support for long-term property investors, to maintain rental housing stability and meet demand across the state.
