All Posts

Budget 2025: The Key Changes Impacting Homeowners, Buyers & Small Businesses in Queensland

Written by
Luke Meisenhelter
Published on
31 March 2025
Last updated
31 March 2025
Table of Contents

    The latest Federal Budget has brought in several changes that could impact your financial future—whether you’re a homeowner, looking to buy your first home, or running a small business.

    Here’s what you need to know:

     

    Homeowners & First-Time Buyers in Queensland

    • Tax Cuts: From 1 July 2026, the tax rate for earnings between $18,201–$45,000 will drop to 14%, meaning more money in your pocket. The average tax cut is expected to be around $43 per week or more than $2,200 per year.
    • First Home Buyer Support: The expanded Help to Buy Scheme allows eligible first-home buyers to access up to a 40% government equity contribution. Income caps have increased to $100k for singles and $160k for joint applicants, with property price caps adjusted by state.
    • Queensland First Homeowner Grant: Eligible first-home buyers can access a $30,000 grant (until June 2025) when purchasing or building a new home under $750,000. This, combined with the Help to Buy Scheme, could significantly reduce upfront costs.
    • Stamp Duty Concessions: First-home buyers in Queensland may also benefit from stamp duty concessions, further lowering the cost of getting into the market. For eligible buyers, this could mean thousands of dollars in savings.
    • Housing Supply: The government plans to deliver 1.2 million new homes over the next five years, aiming to increase supply and improve affordability.

    Living Cost Relief

    • Energy Bill Rebates: Queensland households will receive a $300 electricity rebate in 2024–25, followed by an additional $150 rebate in 2025 (paid in two $75 instalments).
    • Medicare & Healthcare: The Medicare levy threshold is increasing by 4.7% to exempt more low-income earners, while additional funding is going into bulk billing and urgent care clinics.
    • Student Loans: A one-off 20% reduction in HELP debt balances will apply, and the repayment threshold will increase from $54,000 to $67,000 from 2025–26, meaning repayments will start later for many graduates.

    For Small Business Owners in Queensland

    • Tax Cuts: Extended to 1.5 million sole traders, easing the financial burden on small businesses.
    • Energy Relief: A $150 electricity rebate for eligible small businesses in 2025.

    Super Changes

    • The Super Guarantee will rise to 12% from 1 July 2025. Employers will be required to pay super on payday rather than quarterly from 1 July 2026, improving retirement savings for employees but positively impacting cash flow planning for businesses.

    Government Investment & Business Growth

    • More than $17 billion in transport and infrastructure investment, including regional support.
    • Funding for new homes, creating opportunities in the building and manufacturing sectors.
    • Additional cyber security funding to help businesses protect against digital threats.
     

    What Does This Mean for You?

    With tax cuts, energy relief, and housing support, many Queenslanders will have extra room in their budget—whether for saving, investing, or borrowing.

    Want to know how these changes could impact your borrowing power or business finances? We’re here to help.

    Luke Meisenhelter