Tasmania’s third election in 16 months is set for July 19, 2025—but this one hits closer to home. With housing costs climbing, rental vacancies at record lows, and major policy promises on the table, the Tasmanian Election could reshape the property landscape.
Whether you’re buying, investing, or renting, what happens at the ballot box could impact your next move.
In this blog, we break down what each party is offering—and what it may mean for your future in Tasmania.
Why This Early Vote?
In a dramatic turn, Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s minority Liberal government lost a no-confidence motion in early June—18 votes to 17—spurred largely by outrage over ballooning state debt, ferry botches, and the contentious AFL stadium at Macquarie Point.
With no clear alternative government possible, Governor Barbara Baker dissolved Parliament, setting the stage for an election that could shift both the balance—and the debt trajectory—of Tasmania.
Election Battleground: Key Issues
Let’s be honest—this July 19 vote isn’t just another tick in the box. It’s about real issues that affect you and me long after the ballots are counted. Everyone’s buzzing about these four big-ticket items:
- Debt Surge & Budget Risk
The state is on track to see net debt near $11 billion by 2028–29, prompting criticism that present choices will ripple through future household budgets - AFL Stadium – To build or not to build?
A $1 billion stadium at Macquarie Point is polarising: major parties support it, while Greens, Nationals, and independents say it’s a budget and building diversion - Service Delivery Breakdown
Delays in ferries, hospital ramping, and youth services have turned into emblematic gripes in a campaign now dominated by questions like “What will actually get fixed?” - Housing & Cost of Living
Rental vacancy rates near 0.3%, socially-housed waitlists approaching 80 weeks—Tasmanians see this election as a verdict on real-life pressures
How the Tasmanian Election Impacts Homeowners, Investors & Renters in 2025
🔍Who This Election Affects—and How We’ll Break It Down
With the Tasmanian Election upon us, it’s clear that housing isn’t just background noise—it’s at the heart of the conversation. But it hits differently depending on who you are. In the next sections, we’ll unpack what matters most for three key Tasmanian audiences:
- First-home buyers and owner-occupiers—those hoping to get a foot in the door or move up the ladder;
- Property investors and rental-market players—balancing growth opportunities with risk and regulation;
- Renters and low-income households—people feeling the squeeze from spiralling rents and long waitlists.
1. Opportunities for First-Home Buyers in Tasmania’s 2025 Election
With the Tasmanian Election on the horizon, first-home buyers and owner-occupiers have reason to pay attention. National data shows a 4.2% dip in first-home buyer loans in the March 2025 quarter, but Tasmania tells a different story—first-timers here accounted for roughly 25–33% of home loans.
And it isn’t just numbers: Our very own, Aaron Murray, speaking recently on the Real Estate Podcast, says he’s noticed “a noticeable spike in first‑home buyers entering the market” over the past few months. That’s local energy translating to real activity.
So what are the parties offering?
The Liberals promise a full stamp-duty holiday on homes under $750,000 until June 2026 plus 10,000 new social and affordable homes by 2032. Labor counters with up to $30,000 off new builds and shared-equity deals to ease deposit worries .
Greens and independents, meanwhile, are shifting the focus toward rent reform and long-term public housing. The takeaway? If you’re looking to buy soon, freebies today (Liberal) or equity tomorrow (Labor)? But don’t dawdle—these plans expire fast
What Property Investors Need to Know About the Tasmanian Election
Property investors face two clear roads in this Tasmanian Election; On one hand, both the Liberals and Labor are leaning on supply-side fixes—more homes, more rentals, more stock—to ease market strain . On the other, Greens and some independents are leaning into rent controls, landlord subsidies, and stronger tenant protections—designed to curb costs, but potentially capping rental yields.
For investors, that means weighing opportunity against regulation. Will there be more competition from new builds, or a squeeze from rent control? Tracking which party ends up in power—and what kind of deal they strike with crossbenchers—could determine whether your rental cashflows thrive or face a squeeze.
How Renters Could Benefit from Tasmania’s 2025 Policy Shifts
Rental life in Hobart isn’t easy right now—vacancy rates are stuck around 0.3%, and social housing lines are creeping past the two-year mark—so it’s only natural that renters are watching the Tasmanian Election closely. But it’s not all doom and gloom—there’s policy momentum starting to shift things.
Enter the Liberals’ “Strong Plan for Renters”: they’re pledging to let renters keep pets by law (no more forced goodbyes), boost their Rental Incentive Scheme by 200 homes, and offer full land-tax breaks to landlords who build or convert for long-term rentals.
Meanwhile, Greens and independents are gearing up with more tenant protections: rent-increase caps tied to inflation, no‑cause eviction bans, and energy-efficiency rules in rising rent debates.
That means in practical terms: better chances to stay with your pet, more homes hitting the market, and moves toward fairer, more stable renting. The Tasmanian Election isn’t just spotlighting renters—it’s a chance to finally make rental life feel a bit more secure.
So, What should I do this Tasmanian Election?
Tasmania’s housing and infrastructure challenges collided in a messy political crisis that forced this early election. For first-home buyers, renters, and investors, policy frameworks on July 19 could determine whether access, affordability, and yields head up or down.
- Want instant savings? Liberals lead with upfront duty breaks—ideal for buyers ready to act.
- Looking for equity over time? Labor’s shared‑equity models may lower entry costs.
- Need rental reform and affordability commitments? Greens and crossbenchers hold the rein.
- Worried about debt? Watch how parties justify billions in borrowing, stadium costs, and mega-project expenses.
In short: don’t just vote by slogan—align with the policy mix that matches your home-life: ownership, income, rent pressure, return expectations, or managing state debt.
Want to know how these policies affect your suburb or property?
Speak with one of our Local 4one4 Property Experts or grab a free suburb snapshot today.
