REIWA Calls for Housing Reforms Ahead of the 2026–27 WA Budget

As Perth continues to experience rapid price growth and persistent housing pressures, REIWA has released its pre-budget submission for the 2026–27 Western Australian Budget. The plan outlines practical measures designed to improve affordability, support first home buyers, strengthen the rental system and bring more homes to market throughout the state.

Helping First Home Buyers Enter the Market
REIWA is calling for an update to stamp duty thresholds to help first home buyers keep pace with current market conditions. While thresholds were lifted in early 2025, they have not risen at the same rate as property prices. By linking future thresholds to REIWA’s own data — including the rolling annual lower quartile and median — more buyers could access exemptions and grants, easing the transition into home ownership and relieving pressure on the rental market.

Improving Support for Vulnerable Renters
With rental supply remaining tight, especially in suburbs close to the CBD, REIWA is advocating for new initiatives to support vulnerable tenants. This includes a Social Impact Property Investment Program, which would offer incentives for landlords who provide rentals below market rate. REIWA is also urging the Government to commit to delivering 1,000 new or refurbished social housing dwellings each year to meet rising demand for crisis accommodation and long-term rental support.

Backing Higher-Density Housing and Off-the-Plan Options
Increasing housing supply remains one of REIWA’s key priorities. The organisation is encouraging Government to continue and extend the duty concession and rebate scheme for off-the-plan apartments beyond its June 2026 expiry. The program reduces upfront costs for eligible buyers and supports the development of more apartments, townhouses and medium-density housing across both new and established suburbs — a crucial step toward easing Perth’s long-term supply shortage.

Streamlining Rental Bond Payments
To modernise and simplify the rental process, REIWA is recommending that tenants be allowed to pay rental bonds directly to the bond administrator. Currently, the process involves multiple parties and manual handling, which increases processing times and cyber-security risks. A direct payment system with automated notifications would offer greater transparency, faster turnaround times and improved confidence for both tenants and property managers.

Working Toward a More Stable Market
REIWA’s submission reflects the ongoing challenges created by strong population growth, limited new housing completions and low rental availability — factors that continue to drive demand and push prices higher. By supporting targeted policy reform and ongoing collaboration with Government, the organisation aims to create a more balanced market that serves the needs of buyers, tenants, investors and the wider community.

As Perth navigates another year of rising prices and tight supply, REIWA’s recommendations highlight practical ways to support affordability, encourage new housing and strengthen the rental system. With the 2026–27 Budget approaching, these policy suggestions could play a significant role in shaping the state’s housing future.

If you'd like to talk about how this will affect your property plans, don't hesitate to contact the team at Bellcourt on 08 6141 7848.