By Dr Tony Matthews, Cities Research Institute
The 2018 Queensland budget, the first for Treasurer Jackie Trad, offered some surprises in its treatment of housing, the environment and the regions. As is the tradition with budgets, some people feel cheerful while others are glum. Most are probably neutral this time around.
Changes to the housing portfolio will make some very unhappy, a few will celebrate and many won’t be affected.
The First Home Owner Grant of $15,000 will be extended for another 12 months. But pain comes through its value being reduced from the temporary amount of $20,000, in place since 2016. Those hoping to take advantage of the higher rate will need to do so by June 30 – an unreasonable deadline for most.
House prices are softening slightly in south-east Queensland and across the state as the urgency recedes from the market. The reorganisation of the First Home Owner Grant probably reflects
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