David Crisafulli’s plan to remove rental restriction for first-home buyers ‘no silver bullet’: Labor

David Crisafulli has vowed to remove a restriction that would open the door to home ownership to young Queenslanders, but Labor slammed a claim about the plan. POLL

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has challenged Labor to adopt his proposal to abolish the restriction banning people who access the government’s first home buyer grants from renting out rooms within the first year.

Mr Crisafulli said the measure would be a “game changer” for Queenslanders wanting to enter the property market.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli announced the plan to remove the rental restriction for first home buyers on Sunday morning. Picture: Lachie Millard

“This is important, it opens the door to get someone into a property and it opens the door to get someone a roof over their head,” he said.

“If they’re able to rent out a room or two, that’s a game changer.

“All of a sudden, their household income might be enough to get them over the line.”

Mr Crisafulli announced the plan while unveiling a major housing policy this week, with other measures including abolishing stamp duty for home buyers building their first home.

Mr Crisafulli on Sunday called on the government to make the same commitment.

“We’re calling on the government to adopt the plan, if not, it’ll be one of the features of our plan come October,” he said.

“My message to the government is rather than make excuses because the idea didn’t come from within, embrace it and say that it makes sense.”

Wellington Point resident and university student Lara Rowe said the plan to scrap the ban on grant recipients renting out rooms could make her dream of home ownership a reality.

Wellington Point resident Lara Rowe said the plan would make it easier for her and her partner to buy their first home. Picture: Lachie Millard

“My partner and I are living with his grandpa to be able to put money aside each week to save rather than paying for rent,” Ms Rowe said.

“A lot of my friends have gone off to the mines because it’s deemed as the most viable option to get into the market and to make ends meet.”

Transport Minister Bart Mellish hit back at Crisafulli on Sunday, saying the opposition was focusing attention on “a very small issue that isn’t actually a big issue out there”.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said the LNP’s plan is targeting a very small issue. Picture: Liam Kidston

“I understand the reasons behind the drafting in terms of wanting to favour first home buyers rather than property investors who might rent out a property probably straightaway, but I’m also told this isn’t really a big issue out there,” Mr Mellish said.

“The government is always happy to look at tweaks and changes and if there’s certain policies we can make better, I’m always happy to look at that.

“But for the opposition to focus on this and say that they’ve got a silver bullet to housing supply, it’s really just being a bit facetious.”