This blog introduces and explains the 99-Year Lease Homeownership Scheme—a transformative housing model that allows individuals and families to own their home while leasing the land from government or approved cooperatives. It outlines how the model can reduce upfront costs, fight land speculation, and restore home ownership to everyday Australians shut out by soaring land prices.
The 99-Year Solution: A Fairer Way to Own a Home in Australia
By The Fair Go Movement | July 2025
“If land is a national asset, why not lease it long-term—and make home ownership affordable again?”
Owning a home used to be a cornerstone of the Australian dream. Today, it feels more like a fantasy. For young families, key workers, and single retirees, even a modest house-and-land package is financially out of reach.
But what if we changed the rules? What if owning your home didn’t mean owning the land beneath it? That’s the idea behind the 99-Year Lease Homeownership Scheme—a bold new model designed to break the back of the housing crisis.
How the Model Works
Instead of buying both the house and the land, eligible Australians can purchase a long-term lease on government-owned or approved cooperative land for 99 years—renewable, inheritable, and tradable. Homeowners pay for the building and lease the land at a fixed, low rate with protections against price gouging or early termination.
- Government retains ownership of the land (preventing speculation)
- Land is leased under strict affordability and sustainability conditions
- Buyers can finance and build homes as usual—without paying land value
- Eligible demographics include first home buyers, essential workers, and retirees
The result? Significantly lower entry costs. More stable communities. And a fair shot at homeownership for Australians who’ve been locked out for too long.
Why It’s Time for a National Rollout
Australia already has the public land. We already lease Crown land for mining, grazing, and tourism. Why not for homes? The difference is political will—and a commitment to fairness over profit.
The 99-Year Lease model works best when coordinated nationally, supported by legislation, and paired with:
- Sustainable infrastructure: solar-ready, modular, and efficient designs
- Community-focused layouts: green space, transport links, local schools
- Local jobs policy: pair new developments with regional employment growth
- Tenant protection laws: ensure leaseholders have the same security as freehold owners
Who This Helps
This model is built for:
- Young Australians priced out of their own communities
- Essential workers like nurses, teachers, and police officers
- Ageing Australians looking to downsize affordably
- Regional Australians seeking housing tied to work and infrastructure
It’s not about charity. It’s about fairness. And it’s long overdue.
Join the Campaign for Fairer Home Ownership
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