The Albanese government is bringing forward by three months to October 1 implementation of its 5% deposit guarantee for all first home buyers purchasing properties up to a specified limit.

The universal guarantee was an election promise.

The bring-forward, from January 1, is part of a flurry of government activity after last week’s economic roundtable that paid a lot of attention to the housing affordability and shortage issues.

The government announced at the weekend it would pause further residential changes to the National Construction Code until mid-2029 (apart from essential safety and quality measures). Meanwhile the detailed and burdensome code will be streamlined.

The pause is a variation of a policy the Coalition put forward at the election.

The government will also fast track more than 26,000 homes at present caught up in consideration........

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