Only 11 developers licensed under Canberra's new housing scheme
Only 11 developers are licensed under Canberra's new housing scheme despite 158 applications.
The ACT government started a new developer licensing scheme on 1 October to stop bad builders. Only 11 companies are licensed so far.
Licence-holders include Geocon, Community Housing Canberra, JWLand and Riverview Developments. The government says this matches what it expected.
Five to ten applications come in each month, with more coming. The Property Council's ACT director says the low take-up shows the need to keep the scheme quick.
It should not slow housing delivery. Confidence in Canberra's property sector is the lowest in Australia, she said.
Many projects no longer work financially. Several Canberra developers now work only in NSW to avoid approval delays.
The government received 36 applications total. Eleven got approved, six got offers, 19 are under review, and zero got rejected.
- 11
- Developers licensed at launch
- 158
- Applications received in 2025-26
- 5-10
- Monthly applications expected
- 1 October
- Launch date
Why it mattersA new licensing scheme aims to protect consumers. But it could slow new apartment builds in Canberra if it discourages developers or adds time and cost.
AustraliaCanberrans already face a housing shortage and weak developer confidence. If the licensing scheme delays projects or drives builders to NSW, supply could tighten further.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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