With campaigning for the 2025 WA State Election in full swing, we’ve compiled the major party’s commitments relating to delivering the homes we need, faster, as well as our responses to these.
Last Updated: 21/02/2025
Greens WA
Overview:
This policy is intended to deliver an additional 5,000 social and affordable homes per year on top of what is currently being delivered.
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA is supportive of measures to increase the supply of both social and affordable housing options. As noted in our Election Priorities document, it is critical that we facilitate supply right across the housing continuum to provide housing choice and ensure West Australians have a home to suit their needs and life stage.
Overview:
This commitment would see the ‘right to a a home’ legislated and the WA Housing Future Fund established to create a long-term pipeline of public and affordable homes.
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA supports the sentiment that all Western Australians deserve to have a home to call their own. Additionally, we are supportive of measures that ensure long-term thinking in regard to housing policy to ensure a continual and sustainable pipeline of housing options exist across the housing continuum, providing choice for everyone. It is important that policy and legislative change is carefully considered through a housing supply and affordability lens.
Overview:
This policy is intended to address the homeless population in Western Australia and find pathways for them to secure accommodation or preventing people from falling into homelessness through homelessness services and crisis accommodation funding, targeted prevention for at-risk groups, increased funding for housing support options and boosting the capacity of homelessness and community housing sectors.
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA supports measures to facilitate supply across the entire housing continuum, to ensure a pathway for Western Australians to have housing security. Ensuring that systems and policy settings are right, not just in regard to supply of housing but also in providing other essential support services to ensure those at-risk do not fall into homelessness is critical.
Overview:
This policy is intended to assist First Nations people in finding secure and long-term housing solutions.
- Establish a First Nations Housing Peak Body
- Fast-track the construction of First Nations short-stay accommodation facilities at six sites
- Retrofit First Nations social housing in very hot climates with energy efficient systems
- Boost investment into Aboriginal Community Housing Organisations (ACHOs) and expand programs that facilitate their registration
- Introduce a co-designed First Nations Tenancy Support program for tenants in both private and social housing
- Work with First Nations service providers and First Nations people with lived experience of homelessness to review current operational policies and practice, with an objective of reducing evictions and barriers to First Nations people’s access to social housing
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA is supportive of direct Government action to assist Western Australia’s First Nations population to secure housing that is culturally appropriate and created with meaningful community engagement to ensure it is fit for purpose.
Overview:
This policy is intended to limit the usage of homes in Western Australia as short-stay rentals by:
- Imposing an annual 90-day limit on entire-home short-stays
- Improving the mandatory public register for short-stay properties, empowering local governments to regulate short term rental accommodation
- Empowering apartment buildings to ban or limit short stays
- Introducing a 7.5% investor levy on entire homes to generate additional revenue for building social and affordable homes
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA cautions against measures that may have unintended consequences in deterring investor activity in the new housing market, which is crucial in getting apartment projects on the ground for instance. This should be carefully weighed at a time of critical supply need. However, strata communities should be appropriately empowered to make decisions that befit the respective community that lives within a building or complex.
Overview:
This policy would place an additional tax on ‘vacant’ homes at rate of 3%, with the intent being to generate revenue for the State and to free up unused homes.
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA is supportive of measures to increase the supply of affordable rentals to market however reiterate that additional taxes and policy changes must be thoroughly tested to ensure the outcome is a net-positive one for Western Australians and the timely supply of much needed diverse and affordable homes.
Overview:
Commitment to:
- Invest in 10,000 new medium to high-density homes within 800 metres of their respective train stations to bring the urban centres of Midland, Armadale, Bayswater, Fremantle and Gosnells back to life.
- Incentivise local governments to invest in high-quality infill developments by offering funding for local facilities like libraries, pools, parks, bike lanes and footpaths.
UDIA WA Response:
UDIA WA supports investment into these activity centre precincts to bridge the feasibility gap and create medium and higher density transit orientated developments. Additionally, UDIA WA supports incentivising local governments to facilitate higher density infill development with their local government area through investment in community infrastructure which benefits both current and future residents of these areas.
Overview:
A commitment to strengthen WA’s nature laws by restoring the independence and authority of the EPA.
UDIA WA Response:
UDIA WA continues to support the ongoing implementation of the Vogel-McFerran Report recommendations to enable a streamlined and more effective environmental approvals system. UDIA WA is seeking the establishment of a planning-led environmental decision-making framework to enable the delivery of new homes while protecting the environment. This includes investing in regional planning as well as a strategic plan and fund for offsets.
Overview:
Commitment to pushing for the construction of light rail on key routes across Perth.
UDIA WA Response:
UDIA WA is supportive of the development and implementation of an integrated land use and mid-tier transit plan which provides high-frequency and high-quality connectivity to/from links key precincts across Perth to support well-located higher density development and increased liveability.
Overview:
Commitment to invest $50m over four years to roll out an urban greening program across WA in cooperation with WALGA and local governments to plant one million trees and five million understorey species by 2030 with a focus on WA natives.
UDIA WA Response:
UDIA WA is supportive of direct action by Government to increase urban greening, as well as the development of a comprehensive urban greening plan that provides certainty, clarity, and consistency as to the requirements for development across local governments. It is important the plan is holistic and considers all aspects of urban greening, including, but not limited to, the role of all parties responsible for contributing to urban canopy, defining how current canopy is measured and future canopy projected based on trees being planted today.
Overview:
Commitment to:
- Re-establish and revegetate green corridors
- Set a 30 percent target for tree canopy in WA cities and towns by 2040
- Protect remaining biodiversity near Two Rocks by buying up land to establish the new Wilbinga Regional Park
- Enshrine the Roe 9 community wildlife corridor in future planning schemes
UDIA WA Response:
The urban development industry strives to achieve a high standard of environmental outcomes, and it is important our environmental approvals system and policies strike an appropriate balance between facilitating the delivery of housing while also protecting the environment.
UDIA WA is supportive of a comprehensive urban greening plan that provides certainty, clarity, and consistency as to the requirements for development across local governments. It is important the plan is holistic and considers all aspects of urban greening, including, but not limited to, the role of all parties responsible for contributing to urban canopy, defining how current canopy is measured and future canopy projected based on trees being planted today.
As detailed in our Election Priorities document, UDIA WA wants a planning-led approach to environmental approvals and strategic plan for offsets and rehabilitation to be developed and implemented. Being able to restore degraded bushland as part of the offsetting process would deliver better outcomes for the environment, community and industry.
WA Labor
Overview:
Following the mid-year budget review, a commitment to allocating $400 million to support housing development in growth corridors was made. This money would be provided to Western Power and Water Corporation to enable the planning and delivery of infrastructure which will allow development to occur in these areas.
Source: Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA strongly supports this commitment, which is in direct response to our advocacy. As outlined in our State Election Priorities document and Growth Areas Infrastructure Requirements Report, UDIA WA has consistently called for the planning, coordination and delivery of enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply in the priority corridors. It is essential that Government takes an ‘at the right time’, not a ‘just in time’, approach to strategic and enabling infrastructure.
Overview:
Commitment to a new Keystart Shared Equity scheme for up to 1,000 new apartments and townhomes either off-the-plan or under construction (with Government taking a 35% equity share or up to $250,000) and the introduction of two new loan products for graduates and apprentices and those who choose a modular home.
Source: Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA supports this commitment and has been working with the State Government on how to provide greater housing choice for those who need a leg up to get into their own home. Keystart is one of the most valuable tools we have in WA to support home ownership. With the recent changes to transition to a Government Trading Enterprise to enable Keystart to help underwrite new developments, this is a smart way to leverage the private sector to deliver hundreds of new homes.
Overview:
Commitment to a new $75 million Build to Rent Kickstart Fund for low-cost financing (up to 30% or $250,000 per apartment, in return for 30% affordable dwellings), increased land tax concessions (75%) for BTR developments with more than 40 dwellings, and $79.5 million funding injection for social housing deliver to 1,000 homes added a year.
Source: Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA strongly supports this commitment, which is in direct response to our advocacy, to enhance the taxation settings and the viability of BTR projects to facilitate increased supply of rental properties. To further support apartment project feasibility, UDIA WA also continues to advocate for an increase and expansion of the Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) into an Infill Development Catalyst Fund to get more apartments on the ground. This should allow reimbursement of a range of statutory fees and charges, broader than headworks.
Overview:
Commitment to adjust stamp duty thresholds for first home buyers (FHB), multi-residential developments and land.
- $110.7m to raise the FHB stamp duty threshold to $500,000, with discounts available up to $700,000 in Perth metro and $750,000 in regional WA*.
- The FHB changes would also increase the threshold for land purchases to $350,000, with discounts up to $450,000.
- $20.6m investment to increase the current off-the-plan and under construction stamp duty exemptions by $100,000 and expand it to include townhomes as well as apartments (to a value of $850,000).
*Note: The regional FHB commitments are also part of regional housing boost announcement.
Source: Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA strongly supports this commitment, which directly responds to our advocacy. As outlined in our State Election Priorities, we’ve been calling for the off-the-plan and under construction concessions to be made permanent or at least extended for the next term of Government and to be expanded to include townhomes, as well as for an increase and indexation of stamp duty thresholds (including for FHBs) to better reflect the reality of the current market conditions. These commitments are important in tackling housing affordability and supply challenges, including by boosting the viability of infill development.
To further support apartment project feasibility, UDIA WA also continues to advocate for an increase and expansion of the Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) as outlined above.
UDIA WA has also long held the position that wider stamp duty and taxation reform is required in Western Australia to better facilitate the ability for Western Australians to own their own home.
Overview:
Commitment to invest:
- $21.9m in additional free TAFE courses targeted at residential construction trades of need, including plumbing, bricklaying and civil construction.
- $27m in the Group Training Organisation wage subsidy program which will assist small and medium businesses with covering the cost of taking on apprentices in the building and construction industry. This is expected to result in an additional 225 apprentices per year, with additional funding provided for an extra 100 mature age apprentices per year.
- Establishment of a Builders Support Program to work with the peak housing bodies to educate and mentor new builders to grow market capacity.
Source: Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA welcomes this commitment aimed at helping to address the labour shortages that exist within the WA residential construction industry. Ensuring a growing pipeline of workers is critical to addressing the long-term needs for building housing in WA; however, in the short term, WA will still need additional skilled tradespeople to fill the critical labour needs in residential construction that currently exist. Ensuring that today’s apprentices remain in the residential construction industry long term is also a critical piece of the puzzle. UDIA WA continues to advocate for the development and implementation of a Construction Workforce Attraction and Retention Strategy for Perth and the Regions.
Overview:
Commitment to a package to assist in the delivery of regional housing, including:
- $25m Regional Housing Support Fund to provide grants for costs such as civil works, decontamination, and utility connections to unlock housing projects and land supply in regional areas.
- $104m for new Government Regional Officer Housing.
- $16m for first home buyers in regional areas through a heightened discount threshold in regional areas up to $750,000 (refer stamp duty exemption increase announcement).*
*Note: The regional FHB commitments are also part of the $130m stamp duty announcement.
Source: Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA welcomes support for delivering critically needed housing in regional areas and the acknowledgement that constraints in these areas can be difficult to overcome due to resourcing and capacity issues. Additionally, ensuring a constant pipeline of regional housing for Government workers is crucial for the long-term health of WA’s regions and is a key aspect to the delivery of Government services to support those living in regional areas.
Overview:
Commitment to increasing housing and support for vulnerable and at-risk Western Australians through:
- $6m to capacity build the community housing sector through partnership with ShelterWA.
- $10.4m to expand the Homeless Engagement Assessment Response Team (HEART) program in Perth and Mandurah.
- $3.1m to grow the Housing First Support Services in Bunbury.
Source: Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA supports measures across the housing continuum to ensure a pathway for Western Australians to have housing security and investment in support intervention services to assist both the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. Investment in growing the Community Housing Operators (CHOs) is welcomed, allowing CHOs to manage larger portfolios of property is an important step in increasing social and affordable housing, including in partnership with the private sector.
Overview:
Commitment to taking actions to double Perth’s tree canopy to 30% by 2040 through the planting of one million trees by 2035. This investment would include:
- $10m for the urban canopy growth program.
- $6.9m per year for the $150 native tree rebates to WA residents.
Source: Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
The urban development industry strives to achieve a high standard of environmental outcomes, and it is important our environmental approvals system and policies strike an appropriate balance between facilitating the delivery of housing while also protecting the environment.
As this announcement acknowledges, many parties have a part to play in ensuring an increased canopy. UDIA WA is supportive of a comprehensive urban greening plan that provides certainty, clarity, and consistency as to the requirements for development across local governments. It is important the plan is holistic and considers all aspects of urban greening, including, but not limited to, the role of all parties responsible for contributing to urban canopy, defining how current canopy is measured and future canopy projected based on trees being planted today.
Overview:
Commitment to expand the Swan River ferry services through an investment of $107m in new ferries and stops at Applecross and UWA with future considerations for stops at the Causeway Bridge precinct, Burswood Park, Perth Stadium and Claisebrook Cove.
Source: Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
Expansion of Perth’s ferry service could be a catalyst for infill development in a range of areas and UDIA WA is supportive of investment in the provision of high-quality and high-frequency public transport options to enhance connectivity across Perth. Expansion of the ferry service is something that has been discussed and considered many times over the years, as have mid-tier transit options, and enhanced integrated transport and land use planning would be welcomed to support well-located higher density development and increased liveability.
Liberal Party of WA
Overview
The commitment included a 9 point plan for making changes to WA’s environmental approvals process, this includes:
- Amendments to the Environmental Protection Act.
- Allowing parallel approvals to reduce delays.
- Moves aimed at speeding up decisions on appeals.
Source: WA Liberal’s Campaign and Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA supports the ongoing implementation of the Vogel-McFerran Report recommendations to enable a streamlined and more effective environmental approvals system. UDIA WA is seeking the establishment of a planning-led environmental decision-making framework to enable the delivery of new homes while protecting the environment. This includes investing in regional planning as well as a strategic plan and fund for offsets.
Overview
This commitment will raise the price threshold for first home buyers (FHB), meaning that stamp duty will not be payable on purchases up to $550,000 with concessions available up to $700,000.
Source: WA Liberal’s Campaign and Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA supports an uplift of the stamp duty exemptions to better reflect the current market, this directly relates to our advocacy. The amount should be indexed to ensure it reflects the state of the market at the time and ensures first home buyers are not locked out of the market. UDIA WA has also long held the position that wider stamp duty and taxation reform is required in Western Australia to better facilitate the ability for Western Australians to own their own home.
Overview:
This commitment would provide $300m in funding to infrastructure agencies to plan and deliver crucial enabling infrastructure in growth corridors as part of a wider Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund.
Source: WA Liberal’s Campaign and Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA strongly supports this commitment, which is in direct response to our advocacy. As outlined in our State Election Priorities document and Growth Areas Infrastructure Requirements Report, UDIA WA has consistently called for the planning, coordination and delivery of enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply in the priority corridors. It is essential that Government takes an ‘at the right time’, not a ‘just in time’, approach to strategic and enabling infrastructure.
Overview:
This commitment would provide $200m in funding to an Apartment Support Program which would provide up $20,000 per new apartment for headworks and other statutory fees and charges which impact project feasibility as part of a wider Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund.
Source: WA Liberal’s Campaign and Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA strongly supports this commitment, which is in direct response to our advocacy. As discussed in our State Election Priorities document, UDIA WA has been consistently calling for measures to boost the viability of infill development, particularly apartment projects. Increasing and broadening the current Infrastructure Development Fund to encompass a wider range of taxes and charges which impact upon the viability of projects beyond headworks has been a key ask.
Overview:
This commitment would provide a $20,000 stamp duty rebate as an incentive to people downsizing their homes with the intent being to encourage the freeing up of larger home stock for larger households and encouraging those not requiring as many rooms to explore options more suited to their needs.
Source: WA Liberal’s Campaign and Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
Whilst UDIA WA does not have a direct State Election ask on downsizing incentives, UDIA WA supports stamp duty reform and measures to enhance mobility in the housing market to make best use of the capacity of WA’s housing stock and to facilitate Western Australians to right-size their home based on their needs at various stages in their life.
The Nationals WA
Overview:
This commitment would enable first home buyers to purchase a home without paying stamp duty on the purchase without restriction on the property. The first 5,000 first home buyers per year (for four years) would be entitled to claim under this scheme at a cost of $160m.
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA is supportive of policies that enable first home buyers to more readily access the market. A broader review of the transfer duty mechanism and it’s impacts on housing mobility should be progressed by the next State Government.
Overview:
This commitment would provide a $10,000 relief payment to families who have had a home build underway for more than 2 years in light of cost of living challenges faced by many.
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA is broadly supportive of measures to ensure that homebuyers are not unfairly burdened by the non-delivery of their future home, but also to actively support industry to deliver homes.
Overview:
This commitment would add an additional local government member to Development Assessment Panels (DAP) as well as increasing the threshold for the DAP process to $5m (from $2m) to lead more projects through the standard local government assessment process.
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA supports the DAP reforms that have recently been undertaken and enacted throughout 2024; to make further modifications at a time in which housing supply is critically required could stifle developments in areas of high need and as such, this is not supported.
Overview:
This commitment would provide an additional $1bn in funding over ten years to deliver enabling infrastructure which will remove barriers to development in regional areas that would otherwise be suitable for residential, commercial or industrial use.
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA welcomes the acknowledgment of the increased cost to deliver utilities in recent years and supports the usage of funds to unlock greater development, be it in regional WA or the Perth Metropolitan region. As noted in UDIA WA’s State Election Priorities document, the need to ensure adequate planning and delivery of utilities is critical to enable the provision of new homes across the State and efforts to support this are critical in ensuring the shortfall of housing is addressed.
Overview:
This commitment will provide a loan for up to ten years of which the first two will be interest free and then up to 8 years of low interest. The intent is to assist builders struggling with cost escalations, allowing them to continue building homes.
UDIA WA’s Response:
Whilst UDIA WA does not have an expressed policy position on loan schemes for builders, UDIA WA supports measures to ensure that housing can be readily delivered by the building industry in the face of an evolving costs landscape.
Overview:
This commitment would deliver $100m per year over ten years to grow the Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) and social housing stocks in regional areas. In addition, every two GROH houses built would see one transferred to social housing stock for fifteen years before sale back into the private market.
Source: Media Release
UDIA WA’s Response:
UDIA WA welcomes further support for delivering critically needed housing in regional areas. Additionally, ensuring a constant pipeline of regional housing for Government workers is crucial for the long-term health of WA’s regions and is a key aspect to the delivery of Government services to support those living in regional areas.