"The plan, released as part of the upcoming budget, specifies 4,293 new homes in the 2026-27 financial year."

ACT Government Unveils Five-Year Housing Supply Plan: 25,794 New Homes Targeted

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has released its Housing Supply and Land Release Program, outlining a detailed strategy to deliver 25,794 new homes over a five-year period from 2026 to 2031. The broader ambition includes a headline target of 30,000 new homes by 2030.

Housing Supply Plan Details

The plan, released alongside the upcoming budget, sets a first-year target of 4,293 new homes for the 2026-27 financial year. Of the total five-year projection, only 2,885 homes (11%) are planned as standalone houses.

For the 2026-27 period, just 182 standalone homes are planned, all located in the Ginninderry development in west Belconnen. The vast majority of remaining homes are planned as multi-unit dwellings.

District Breakdown (2026-27 / 2026-31)

Government Approach

Housing Minister Yvette Berry stated the target is "ambitious" but "achievable." She noted that 15% of suitable land releases in 2026-27 are reserved for public, community, and affordable housing, targeting approximately 300 homes.

Treasurer Chris Steel confirmed that legislation for 'missing middle' zoning reforms—which would allow townhouses and low-rise apartments on all residential blocks—will be introduced. Most new homes are planned for existing urban areas (infill) rather than greenfield sites.

Minister Steel acknowledged that the government fell approximately 100 dwellings short of its first-year target of 4,200 new homes for the current period.

Modular and Prefabricated Housing

The government is actively exploring modular and prefabricated homes—constructed off-site in factories and assembled at their final location—as a potential solution for public housing.

Minister Steel stated the government is seeking solutions for integrating more modular homes into Canberra. He noted that addressing challenges requires adaptation of planning and building systems, as well as engagement with financial institutions regarding loans.

"Transportation costs for modular housing, particularly from interstate, were identified as a significant factor."

Minister Steel suggested that government procurement standards for public housing could be used to support local suppliers. The government is also planning a "Canberra housing pattern book" featuring pre-approved designs for accelerated planning pathways, which may include prefabricated or modular options.

Industry Perspectives

Anna Neelagama, CEO of Master Builders ACT, criticized the limited number of planned standalone houses, stating the program has "consistently failed to reflect reality." She expressed concern about relying on 'missing middle' reforms and called for structural land release reform, noting high interest rates and material costs. She stated that approximately 4,700 homes would need to be built annually to meet the 30,000-home target. Ms. Neelagama raised questions concerning compliance, certification, and quality checks for non-site-based construction methods.

Maria Edwards, CEO of the Real Estate Institute ACT, called for more diversity in housing types, including two- and three-bedroom apartments and townhouses. She highlighted affordability issues, citing land price increases—such as a 500 sqm block in Whitlam rising from approximately $400,000 in 2020 to approximately $700,000.

Geoff McGinley, of modular housing business Adapt Homes, stated that the primary constraint for modular construction is the planning process, which he said can take three to four times longer than the construction itself.

"The government is also exploring the use of modular and prefabricated homes for public housing as part of its strategy to meet housing targets."

Andrew Copley, CEO of AJC Modular, stated that design approval and certification processes are major obstacles. He suggested adopting an American industry model where factory inspections and adherence to criteria lead to automatic approvals.