Infrastructure Victoria calls for fast-tracked development, abolishment of stamp duty to make Melbourne housing affordable

Victoria's independent infrastructure adviser is calling on the state government to fast-track approvals of good-quality townhouses in Melbourne's established suburbs and phase out stamp duty, as part of a plan to create more affordable homes and slow the growth of the city's urban fringe. Key points: Infrastructure Victoria found moderate-earning households were "priced out" of inner and middle Melbourne The body wants better standards and fast-tracked approvals for medium-density homes in established suburbs It is also calling for the phasing out of stamp duty and the first-home-buyers grant Infrastructure Victoria has conducted what it says is the largest-ever survey of housing preferences, asking 6,000 people in Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat about the type of home they would move to if they were moving today. "For each decade to come we're going to have around a million more people coming to Melbourne, and that's welcome, but we need to plan for it," Dr Spear said. Phase out stamp duty, fast-track quality townhouses as part of plan The State Government has a long-term plan for 70 per cent of new homes to be built in established suburbs — but Dr Spear said the government was falling short of this.