WA’s 2025 Budget Powers Housing, Jobs and Growth

Western Australia’s 2025-26 Budget marks a significant leap forward for the state’s construction and property industries, with bold investments designed to unlock housing supply, supercharge infrastructure and back the workforce that keeps it all moving.

Premier Roger Cook and Treasurer Rita Saffioti have delivered a seventh consecutive surplus, fueled by the state’s rich resources and a renewed push toward growth corridors, regional revitalisation and innovative development. In total, more than $1.4 billion has been allocated to housing initiatives, while billions more will be funnelled into economic infrastructure, training, and industrial precincts that will generate jobs and opportunities across WA.

At the heart of the Budget is housing. With affordability and supply still front of mind, the state is investing strategically to address both. The Housing Enabling Infrastructure Fund (HEIF) has received a fresh $101 million injection, unlocking an additional 33,000 homes through critical water and power projects. This builds on $105 million already allocated to deliver 28,000 new homes, pushing the total HEIF value to $400 million. From Perth’s growth corridors to regional towns like Kununurra and Margaret River, this infrastructure pipeline will ensure the land is ready when developers and communities are.

Treasurer Saffioti described it as investment that “prioritises strategic infrastructure needed to unlock more residential land throughout Western Australia,” reinforcing the government’s collaborative approach with industry to ensure growth is well-planned and future-ready.

To further support supply, the Budget includes:

• $246 million for 548 new social and affordable homes
• $210 million for 1000 shared equity home loans
• $75 million in support for build-to-rent developers
• $50 million for the Housing Innovation Fund to lift productivity
• $43 million towards the Mulataga development in Karratha
• $25 million in support for regional housing
• $20 million to construct up to 40 seniors’ units in Kalgoorlie
• $5 million for key worker housing in Kununurra

First home buyers will also benefit, with $119 million committed to reducing transfer duty, making home ownership more accessible for thousands across the state.

Beyond housing, WA is laying the groundwork for the future with major infrastructure and industrial investments. The Strategic Industries Fund has been doubled to $1 billion, supporting precincts like Picton, Kemerton and Kwinana, which are set to become hubs for clean energy, defence, advanced manufacturing, and downstream processing. Ports, pipelines, power infrastructure and road networks are also being expanded to meet the growing demand—ensuring WA’s booming resource and export sectors remain globally competitive.

The Budget is also about backing people, particularly the skilled workforce needed to bring these big plans to life. More than $25 million is being invested to expand wage subsidies for apprentices and trainees, creating 225 new places in the construction industry. Another $12.3 million will boost recruitment of skilled workers, both from interstate and overseas, through incentives like the “Build a Life in WA” program. Since launch, this initiative has already helped attract over 1000 new tradies to the state.

And for those looking to upskill locally, $22 million in funding will expand fee-free TAFE courses in construction and housing, while $600,000 will help more workers register as builders—paving a clearer path to long-term careers in the sector.

In a forward-looking move, the government will also review WA’s Residential Design Codes to support more infill development and simplify planning processes. This modernisation effort will bring greater consistency, clarity and digital accessibility to the state’s planning framework—essential in keeping up with today’s demand and tomorrow’s vision.

From social housing to strategic infrastructure, tradie support to planning reform—this Budget is a clear message from WA’s leadership: we’re building a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable future. For those in the construction and property industries, it’s a sign of ongoing opportunity, resilience and momentum across the state.