Rita Saffioti says multi-generational living is answer to housing crisis, teases more stamp duty relief

Rita Saffioti has urged WA to embrace multi-generational living to solve Perth’s housing crisis, as she teased more stamp duty relief ahead of the State Budget in May. The Treasurer was spruiking the Government’s expanded stamp duty concessions for new apartment builds that will shave about $32,000 off the tax bill for a $800,000 property. But she was forced to defend a $2 billion revenue windfall that has resulted from surging property prices. Ms Saffioti suggested more help is on the way for first homebuyers, but also urged caution. “We’re very careful in what we do in relation to this space to make sure that we bring on more supply and not create excessive heat in this market,” Ms Saffioti told a business breakfast. “But there’ll be a lot more to come. We’re still going through the budget process.” The $70 million strata incentives announced on Thursday were dismissed as too little by the Opposition. “This $70m announcement today is mere tinkering around the edges,” Basil Zempilas said. “The Treasurer is more concerned with protecting her surplus than providing genuine stamp duty relief. She is locking in record surpluses while locking West Australians out of the housing market.” Ms Saffioti told the Urban Development Institute that the Government’s reforms are aiming to encourage seniors to downsize into apartments, duplexes or triplexes - but not force them. Apartments currently make up only 7.3 per cent of WA’s housing stock, compared to 23 per cent in New South Wales and 14 per cent in Queensland. Ms Saffioti insisted community opposition to some projects has been exaggerated, and urged developers to fight back. “The fear that’s whipped up far outweighs what is actually happening,” she said. “Industry bodies, people that are passionate about the future, need to be out there and be the voice of reasoning.” She suggested shared equity schemes and multi-generational living could solve the emerging problem of “kippers”, or kids in parents pockets eroding retirement savings. “Go to Italy. . . Grandparents on one level, the parents on one and the children on the next level,” Ms Saffioti said. “It’s not the worst idea, as long as you like your kids, your kids like you. But it’s again making better use of the space that we have.” Ms Saffioti and Housing Minister John Carey have repeatedly accused the State Opposition of opposing medium to high density projects, by launching an inquiry into land development and planning. Basil Zempilas has angrily denied that, but Labor was backed-in by UDIA chief executive Tanya Steinbeck who called for a bi-partisan approach. “The last thing we need at the moment is politicisation of planning when we have a housing supply crisis,” she said. Pressed on whether she believes the Liberal party is guilt of that, she replied: “Yes”. Ms Steinbeck predicted it will take 12 to 18 months for the Government’s concessions to result in new developments. “It is all about new supply,” she said. “So if we can create enough new supply, at the moment, people that are sitting in their homes are reluctant to sell because they have nowhere to go. There’s no options.” The Opposition Leader was silent in Parliament, as Mr Carey used the UDIA comments to needle him during Question Time on Thursday. “Anyone who understands the viability of development projects, it is height that makes a project,” he said. “When you say this project should be completely changed and remove the height you’re saying the project should not proceed and the third classic part of the NIMBY handbook is to perpetuate fear. “In this incredible time where we need housing, we take the community on a journey with us that is real leadership, not the leadership of the Liberal leader who spreads fear.”