The ACT Legislative Assembly has passed the government’s long-flagged “missing middle” housing reforms, paving the way for a wider range of low-rise housing developments across most Canberra suburbs from July 1.

The changes open up RZ1 and RZ2 residential zones – which cover the majority of residential land in the ACT – to housing types including townhouses, terraces, multi-occupancy developments and low-rise apartment buildings.

The reforms also allow greater subdivision and block consolidation opportunities, aimed at increasing housing supply and supporting more intensive use of existing urban land.

The ACT Government says the changes form a key part of its target to deliver 30,000 new homes by 2030, with development expected to occur gradually over coming decades.

To encourage uptake, the reforms will be accompanied by a package of incentives including the removal of stamp duty on eligible new off-the-plan and turnkey missing middle homes, a temporary 50 per cent reduction in the codified Lease Variation Charge for eligible developments, and the introduction of a “Canberra House” pattern book featuring pre-approved housing designs.

A new Missing Middle Housing Design Guide will also be introduced to set standards for future developments and help ensure new housing integrates with existing neighbourhoods.

Planning Minister Chris Steel said the reforms represented a major shift in Canberra’s planning system.

“Up until this point, missing middle homes have effectively been banned on the huge majority of residential blocks in Canberra,” Mr Steel said.

He said the changes would provide more housing options for renters, families and older residents wishing to remain in their local communities, while supporting gradual growth within established suburbs.

Heaven help our cherished ‘Garden City’

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