The $47 billion total is a cumulative tally across the Government's existing programs, including the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), the Social Housing Accelerator, the 5% Deposit Scheme, Help to Buy and Build to Rent, plus the new commitments in this Budget. Since May 2022, more than 250,000 Australians have entered home ownership through the 5% Deposit Scheme. The supply measures announced in this Budget sit alongside the negative gearing and capital gains tax reforms, which Treasury estimates will support around 75,000 additional homeowners over the decade.

Local Infrastructure Fund

The Government is establishing a $2 billion Local Infrastructure Fund to pay for the 'last mile' infrastructure that new housing developments need: water, power, sewerage and road connections. The fund will support up to 65,000 homes over the decade and brings total Commonwealth investment in housing-enabling infrastructure to $6.3 billion.

Funding is conditional. States and territories will only access the Local Infrastructure Fund if they commit to pro-housing supply reforms, including faster and simpler planning approvals, releasing more land ready for development, and simplifying the National Construction Code. The Government will also provide free access to all standards referenced in Australian legislation, saving small businesses and tradespeople up to $1,600 per year, and is removing barriers to modern methods of construction.

Banning foreign investors from existing homes

The Government is extending its ban on foreign buyers purchasing established homes until mid-2029. The intent is to free up established stock for Australian buyers while leaving in place incentives for foreign investment in new builds, where the activity contributes to supply.

Supporting renters

The Government is continuing to work with states and territories under the A Better Deal for Renters framework. Most states have now banned 'no grounds' evictions, limited rent increases to once per year, and set minimum rental standards.

The Government has delivered the first back-to-back increases in Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) in more than 30 years. Combined with indexation, maximum CRA rates have risen by over 50 per cent since March 2022. CRA currently supports more than 1.4 million renters.

Youth housing and First Nations communities

The Government is investing $59.4 million to help Community Housing Providers deliver social housing for over 4,000 young people aged 16-24 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. A further $100 million is being released from the Housing Australia Future Fund to improve housing quality for First Nations Australians in remote communities. The HAFF release builds on the existing 10-year, $4 billion joint Commonwealth and Northern Territory commitment to halve overcrowding in remote NT communities.

Social and affordable housing

The Government is continuing the rollout of 55,000 social and affordable homes across Australia through the HAFF, the Social Housing Accelerator and related programs.

Key figures

• $47 billion total housing commitment

• $2 billion Local Infrastructure Fund supporting up to 65,000 homes

• $6.3 billion total Commonwealth investment in housing-enabling infrastructure

• Foreign buyer ban extended to mid-2029

• 250,000+ Australians supported into ownership through the 5% Deposit Scheme since May 2022

• 1.4 million+ renters receiving CRA; maximum rates up over 50 per cent since March 2022

• $59.4 million for housing for 4,000+ young people at risk of homelessness

• $100 million HAFF release for First Nations remote housing

• 55,000 social and affordable homes in delivery

• 75,000 additional homeowners over the decade from the negative gearing and CGT reforms

Sources

[1] Budget 2026-27 Overview: More homes and a fair go for first home buyers

[2] Budget 2026-27: Productivity

[3] Budget 2026-27: Tax reform for workers, businesses and future generations