Following the 2025 federal election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labour Party have secured a second term in office. While industry bodies welcomed the election outcome, they’re also calling for immediate and decisive action to address Australia’s worsening housing crisis.
This outcome is especially significant for buyers and sellers in Hornsby Shire, where housing affordability and access to quality homes in suburbs like Cherrybrook, Normanhurst, Wahroonga, and Mt Colah are top concerns for many local families.
A Mandate for Housing Reform
In his victory speech on May 3, Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged the ongoing challenges Australians face, pledging to “write the next chapter so all Australians are part of our nation’s story.” His message resonated with industry leaders, who are now urging the government to move quickly and deliver on key housing commitments.
For residents in Hornsby Shire, and nearby suburbs, the next steps taken by the government could directly impact property values, development approvals, and first-home buyer incentives.
What Industry Leaders Are Saying
Leanne Pilkington, CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), praised the Labour government’s commitment to increasing home ownership through bold yet balanced policy. She highlighted Labour’s pledge to:
- Allow homebuyers to purchase with a 5% deposit
- Invest $10 billion in housing supply
- Retain negative gearing and capital gains tax incentives
“These measures are vital for bridging the gap in housing access, particularly for first-home buyers,” said Pilkington. “But successful implementation will depend on addressing structural barriers – such as planning delays, labour shortages, and high construction costs.”
These issues are particularly relevant to growth areas in Hornsby Shire, where demand remains strong but supply constraints continue to challenge buyers and developers alike.
Urgent Action Required
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) echoed the REIA’s call for urgency. Managing Director Jocelyn Martin urged the government to treat housing as a “first-order priority” from day one.
“Australians want real reform, not political showmanship. Delays will only deepen the crisis,” Martin said, adding that it’s time for all levels of government to work together and deliver practical solutions.
For families and investors in Waitara and Ku-ring-gai, this means faster approvals, more housing stock, and improved rental market stability could be on the horizon—if action is taken now.
Industry Collaboration is Key
The Property Council of Australia (PCA) also welcomed the election result and emphasized the need for government-industry cooperation. CEO Mike Zorbas stressed the importance of:
- Smarter urban planning
- Streamlined environmental approvals
- Pro-investment settings to attract development capital
With growing interest in investment properties in Wahroonga and new developments in Cherrybrook, these reforms could help unlock critical housing projects in the region.
Improving Consumer Protection for Homebuyers
Melinda Jennison, President of the Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA), raised concerns about the lack of regulation in the buyer’s agent sector. She called on the government to improve education and standards to better protect property buyers.
In competitive markets like Thornleigh and Normanhurst, where buyer agents are increasingly involved in transactions, stronger protections could give buyers greater confidence.
What This Means for the Local Market
Ben Burston, Chief Economist at Knight Frank, said that while the federal election didn’t significantly shift the commercial property landscape, it did bring much-needed clarity to housing policy.
He noted that Labour’s ongoing support for build-to-rent investments and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) would help sustain development activity—critical for long-term supply.
“The $10 billion investment into housing for first-home buyers will provide direct stimulus to the residential sector,” Burston said.
What Hornsby Shire Residents Should Know
- The Labour government’s re-election brings housing policy stability, with a strong focus on affordability and supply.
- First-home buyer incentives and tax stability may support renewed buyer confidence in areas like Cherrybrook and Mt Colah.
- Industry leaders are urging the government to tackle delays in planning, construction, and approvals, key issues for Hornsby Shire real estate.
- Regulatory reforms could offer better protection for property buyers in Wahroonga, Waitara, and surrounding suburbs.
- The next few months will be critical—implementation will determine how quickly benefits reach local homeowners and investors.
Planning to Buy or Sell in Hornsby Shire?
Whether you’re upgrading in Pennant Hills, downsizing in Ku-ring-gai, or exploring investment opportunities in Thornleigh, the re-election of the Labour government sets the stage for significant changes in the Hornsby Shire housing market.
Stay informed, get expert advice, and act strategically in today’s evolving property landscape.