Government Rental Assistance: Understanding the Update
As part of its 2026 cost‑of‑living measures, the Federal Government has increased Rental Assistance in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Discover how these changes may impact your support. Read on below to understand what the changes could mean for you.
What is Government Rental Assistance?
Rental Assistance subsidies may be available through Centrelink to individuals who require financial assistance to support renting in the private market.
Financial Benefit of living in a Land Lease Community
Rental Assistance is designed to contribute to the expense of rent on your principal home and may apply to people living in caravans, boats, mobile, or manufactured homes. All cases may vary in terms of eligibility.
Whilst living in a Hometown Australia Community home you may be eligible for Rental Assistance which will subsidise the site rental you pay to live in the community. Whilst the site rent will vary by community the subsidy is determined by two factors: the rent you pay and the individuals’ eligibility with Centrelink.
What are the updated weekly rental subsidy benefits?
*Please Note: Hometown Australia strongly recommends residents make their own enquiries as each individuals circumstances and eligibility are different.
Where can I find more information about Rental Assistance?
Rental Assistance subsidies may be available through Centrelink to individuals who require financial assistance due to low income and rent in the private market. Please visit centrelink.com.au for further information.
What are the Financial Benefits of Living in a Land Lease Community?
One of the main questions asked is “what is the difference between living in a land lease community verse a retirement village?” One of the main differences are the financial benefits of living in a land lease community compared to a retirement village, due to the Land Lease Living Model.
The financial benefits of living in a land lease community include:
- No stamp duty payable
- No council rates
- No deferred management fees that can be part of moving into, or out of, a retirement village
- You may be eligible to claim Commonwealth Rental Assistance
- You also retain 100% of your capital gains as a cash profit when you sell your home. In many retirement living options, your agreement may force you to share your capital gains with the retirement village management or in some cases the manager may receive all your capital gain on sale. Living in a Hometown Australia land lease living community means that more money stays in your pocket.
Understanding Land Lease Living
Hometown Australia’s communities can also be referred to as land lease living communities. This means residents own the dwelling and have a long-term lease over the land on which it stands. Hometown Australia offers both resort and boutique style communities, providing true value for money, without the high entry and exit fees often associated with other retirement living options. To learn more about land lease living visit the website here.