Property Policies in Focus: WA State Election 2025

As Western Australia gears up for the 2025 state election on Saturday 8 March, housing and property market policies have taken centre stage. With a housing crisis that includes over 20,000 households on the social housing waitlist and escalating rental pressures, voters are keenly interested in the plans offered by the Labor Party, the Opposition, and the Greens.

Here’s a brief overview of the key policies from each side and their potential impact on Perth’s property market.

Labor Party Policies

1. Ban on Foreign Buyers: Labor has pledged a two-year ban on foreign homebuyers. This move aligns with the Coalition’s federal stance and aims to reduce external demand, making housing more accessible to local residents.

2. Investment in Housing Infrastructure: The incumbent government has promised a $200 million investment in housing and community infrastructure in regional WA. This initiative seeks to improve living conditions and address housing shortages in underserved areas.

3. Boosting Social Housing: Labor plans to accelerate the construction of social and affordable housing, with a focus on urban and regional projects. They aim to build on their existing efforts to increase housing supply.

Opposition Policies

1. Increasing Housing Supply: The Opposition proposes fast-tracking approvals for housing projects to reduce bottlenecks. They also plan to incentivise private developers to invest in affordable and social housing.

2. Stamp Duty Reform: They’ve suggested transitioning from stamp duty to a broad-based land tax over time. This reform is expected to reduce upfront costs for homebuyers and stimulate property transactions.

3. Shared Equity Programs: An expanded shared equity scheme will help first-home buyers co-purchase properties with government assistance, lowering entry barriers to homeownership.

4. Regional Housing Focus: Significant funding for regional housing developments is also on the table, aimed at relieving pressure on Perth’s metropolitan housing market.

Greens Policies

1. Comprehensive Public Housing Program: The Greens advocate for a large-scale public housing initiative, targeting the construction of 15,000 new social and affordable homes annually. Their policy prioritises housing as a human right.

2. Rent Controls: They propose implementing rent caps and increasing tenant protections to address affordability and security in the rental market.

3. Urban Density and Sustainability: The Greens emphasise sustainable development, with a push for higher-density housing near public transport hubs and green building incentives to reduce the environmental impact of new constructions.

4. Tax Reform for Equity: Their tax proposals include increasing taxes on vacant properties and luxury homes to discourage speculative investments and redirect resources toward affordable housing projects.

Comparative Analysis

While all parties recognise the housing crisis as a critical issue, their approaches differ significantly:

• Labor focuses on direct government investment and regulatory measures such as banning foreign buyers.

• The Opposition emphasises private sector collaboration, tax reform, and shared equity schemes to balance public and private efforts.

• The Greens propose the most ambitious plans, advocating for rent controls, large-scale public housing, and sustainability-driven urban planning.

Impact on Perth’s Property Market

The proposed policies will have diverse effects on Perth’s property market:

• The Labor government’s ban on foreign buyers may temper property price growth, offering relief to local buyers.

• The Opposition’s tax reforms could lower upfront costs for homebuyers, increasing property transactions.

• The Greens’ focus on rent controls and public housing might stabilise rental prices but could face resistance from developers.

These policies collectively aim to address housing affordability, increase supply, and improve living standards. However, their success will depend on effective implementation and the ability to balance short-term needs with long-term sustainability.

As the election date approaches, Perth residents should carefully consider these proposals. The outcomes will shape the city’s housing landscape and impact homeowners, renters, and investors alike for years to come.

For those navigating the complexities of the property market during these changing times, Adaptive Settlements is here to provide expert guidance and seamless settlement solutions. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, contact our team to achieve your property goals with confidence and ease.