Arabic version: الحكومة تقدم إصلاحات ضريبية على الإسكان في ميزانية 2026

The Australian government has unveiled significant changes to housing tax policies in its 2026-27 federal budget, aiming to assist first home buyers. The reforms include limiting negative gearing to new builds and altering capital gains tax (CGT) concessions. According to SBS News, these measures are designed to address long-standing affordability issues in the housing market.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has argued that the changes will put more affordable homes on the market. The reforms are expected to reverse a decade-long decline in home ownership, potentially adding 75,000 owner-occupied properties to the market over the next ten years. However, economists are divided on whether these changes will significantly improve housing affordability.

EY Chief Economist Cherelle Murphy remarked that while the adjustments are a positive step, they may not lead to the substantial impact needed for first home buyers. She noted that although house price growth is projected to temper, increasing by an average of 4 per cent instead of 6 per cent, it does not necessarily make housing more affordable.

Criticism has arisen from various quarters. One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce dismissed the notion that the reforms would enable more first home buyers to enter the market, labeling it a “fallacy”. Housing advocate Chels Hood Withey described the measures as insufficient, arguing they fail to address the root causes of the housing crisis.

The proposed changes to CGT and negative gearing are seen as contentious, with the government likely needing support from the Greens and crossbench members in the upper house to pass the legislation. Greens leader Larissa Waters criticized the budget for not adequately addressing inequality, suggesting that it primarily benefits wealthy corporations and individuals. The future of these tax reforms remains uncertain as discussions continue in Parliament.