Missing Middle Reforms Tackle Housing Challenge
The Property Council of Australia today welcomed the ACT Government’s release of draft reforms to support more diverse ‘missing middle’ housing in Canberra’s suburbs saying they were a strong first step in addressing the city’s housing needs.
Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the reforms reflected the agenda set by the Property Council’s Unlocking 60,000 Homes report released last year, which called for more medium-density housing, smarter planning reform, and better use of existing land.
“We’ve made consistent calls for urgent zoning reforms to unlock more housing in Canberra – including our pre-election research released in August last year and our recent Budget Submission – so it’s great to see the government now taking action,” Ms Berry said.
“The changes announced today are a strong and significant step forward. More townhouses, duplexes, terraces and low-rise apartments in our existing suburbs will give more Canberrans the housing choice they’ve been crying out for,” she said.
Ms Berry welcomed the release of the draft Missing Middle Housing Design Guide and draft Territory Plan Amendment, saying the government’s design-led approach was critical to achieving community support and high-quality outcomes.
“We agree with the Planning Minister that better design, including on larger, consolidated sites, will deliver better homes, better streetscapes, and better neighbourhoods for current and future residents,” Ms Berry said.
“This is generational planning change that will bring our suburbs into the 21st century and start to unlock delivery of the housing we need, closer to services, shops and public transport.”
Ms Berry said the Property Council would continue to work closely with the government on the next stage of reforms to lift supply and improve affordability.
“There’s more to do – including on costs, taxes and charges – but the reforms announced today set some firm foundations. Without them, nothing changes, so we welcome this announcement and stand ready to work with the government to make sure the reforms deliver real impact for our city.”
The Property Council ACT & Capital Region’s Economic Outlook on 29 May 2025 will feature insights on what’s next for interest rates, inflation, housing, and investment from new CBA Chief Economist Luke Yeaman and Scyne Managing Director Adrian King.
https://www.propertycouncil.com.au/media-releases/missing-middle-reforms-a-strong-start-on-housing-challenge