A $1.3 billion investment in land development, power and water infrastructure is among the measures included in the 2026–27 state budget housing package (see full list).
A fund to unlock housing supply has received a $101 million boost, with the state government making last minute announcements before handing down the budget this afternoon.
Perth is no longer the most affordable capital city in Australia with the average land price increasing 34 per cent in 2024, a recent industry report shows.
Western Australia's population growth rate has dipped slightly but remains the fastest growing in the country, helped by solid gains from interstate migration.
The industry has largely welcomed the federal budget's investment in housing, but say more needs to be done if the country is to reach its housing targets.
Resources royalty reliance and a lack of action on payroll tax were among the key observations from business groups digesting today's state budget – the first from Treasurer Rita Saffioti.
The pathways to access power supply on new residential subdivisions will be simplified by the WA government, in a move designed to accelerate project delivery and shorten a growing waitlist.
Property industry groups have backed the state government's raft of planning reforms, including the medium-density code policy, which was reworked after receiving mixed reviews.
The building industry will be required to undertake mandatory inspections of high-rise apartments and commercial buildings from 2026, in the most significant industry reform in more than a decade.
Environment and Energy Minister Reece Whitby says there is no conflict of interest in holding both portfolios, after the government announced change to the environmental approvals process.
More than half of new land purchasers in Western Australia during the recent quarter were investors, according to Urban Development Institute of Australia WA.
Single homes will be able to be built and modified without the approval of councils under fresh measures introduced as part of the state government's major planning shake-up.
The state government has flagged a reversal of recently announced medium density planning reforms, with many single dwellings to be excluded and other changes to be deferred.
An apologetic Roger Cook has confirmed the state will scrap its contentious Aboriginal cultural heritage laws just five weeks after they were implemented.
The state government committed to a “light touch” approach to the roll out new Aboriginal cultural heritage laws on Saturday, as it revealed plans for an implementation group to assist in the process.
Industry groups have welcomed the state government's interim measures to reduce inconsistent public open space policies across local governments in Western Australia.
Ministers Rita Saffioti, Paul Papalia, Bill Johnston and Balcatta MP David Michael were the major movers as Roger Cook unveiled his refreshed cabinet at Dumas House this morning.
Broader praise for Western Australia's ‘ironclad budget' has been accompanied by industry calls to build the state's investment appeal and diversify the economy.
Perth's mortgage delinquency rates have more than tripled for new homeowners this year and rents have risen by 13 per cent, the highest of all the capital cities.
Property players have joined forces to deliver more targeted advocacy, with the Town of Cambridge first up in the group's sights over a policy that limits interaction between developers and staff.
