Queensland backs room rentals for first home buyers with stamp duty relief

Queensland’s real estate industry has welcomed new government measures allowing first home buyers receiving stamp duty concessions to rent out spare rooms in their properties.

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) endorsed the Crisafulli Government’s decision to make permanent the temporary policy change.

REIQ Acting CEO Kat Beavon said the move would benefit both buyers and renters.

“Making the recent changes permanent, which allow first home buyers receiving concessions to rent out unutilised rooms, is a common-sense measure that delivers wins for both buyers and renters,” Beavon said.

She said the policy would help address two key housing market challenges.

“It not only encourages home ownership and eases the financial strain of high purchase prices and interest rates, but also addresses the urgent need for rental supply in Queensland’s tight housing market,” Beavon said.

While acknowledging the policy alone wouldn’t resolve Queensland’s housing challenges, Beavon said it represented an important step forward.