Every Tasmanian needs a roof over their head and the Tasmanian Government is committed to helping more Tasmanians into homes by boosting the supply of new homes, supporting home ownership and putting downward pressure on rents.
The Government is rolling out the most comprehensive affordable housing strategy attempted in this state, but we need to do more to meet continuing, unprecedented demand across the housing market.
That’s why the Tasmanian Government will develop a broader housing policy framework that looks at the full array of housing market issues across the public and private sector to drive solutions, in line with PESRAC’s recommendations.
To address land supply, we will incentivise land-owners to activate land with a $10 million Headworks Holiday for new residential subdivisions.
Minister for Finance Michael Ferguson said this includes up to $5,000 per residential lot for power, and up to $5,000 per residential lot delivered for water and sewerage infrastructure.
“There are around 5,000 hectares of privately-owned vacant residential zoned land across Tasmania right now, which if activated, could deliver around 60,000 lots for residential development across the State,” Minister Ferguson said.
“This measure will create jobs by bringing forward hundreds of millions in investment, with the added benefit of giving more Tasmanians access to affordable homes, right around the State.
“We will also provide further support to Tasmanians to buy their first home, and to incentivise empty-nesters to downsize, with the stamp duty concession threshold to increase from $400,000 to $500,000, to reflect current market conditions.
“These measures will add to our successful Homebuilder scheme that has delivered over 2,600 applications since opening last year, with 1,763 applications conditionally approved by the State Revenue Office and 357 already paid.”
Minister for Housing Roger Jaensch said that over the past year, Tasmania had been building houses at a rate not seen in nearly a decade, but more needs to be done.
“These important measures will further add to Tasmania’s housing stock, delivering more homes for Tasmanians in need, along with helping more people into the dream of home ownership,” Minister Jaensch said.
“To make it faster and simpler to build in-fill medium-density housing, we will finalise an Apartment Code this year to make it easier, faster and simpler for developers and landowners to meet the growing demand for inner urban apartment living.
“We are also providing a streamlined ‘no permit required’ approvals pathway for landowners to construct ancillary dwellings, such as granny flats or self-contained studios, on their existing properties.
“And to help meet demand for rental properties, the first 250 new ancillary dwellings that are made available for long-term rental for more than two years will receive $10,000.”
“The Government will also further refine our HomeShare and Streets Ahead programs this year to help more Tasmanians into their own home.
“Importantly, these measures will complement our record $300 million to deliver new housing and homelessness initiatives - helping those most in need, creating jobs, growing our economy and strengthening our communities in every region,” Minister Jaensch said.