Huntingfield – Where ‘Affordable’ Means $832,000

The Tasmanian Government has finally cut the ribbon on the Huntingfield land release, declaring it a milestone for “affordable” housing. Minister for Housing and Planning, Eric Abetz, was quick to herald the release of the first 33 lots as a win for first-home buyers and downsizers. But behind the glossy brochures and the curated press release lies a starker reality that warrants scrutiny.

Is this truly the affordable break Tasmanians have been waiting for, or are we witnessing another exercise in well-timed political spin?

The term “affordable” is bandied about with increasing carelessness by the government. While the official release avoids printing a price list, early indicators from the partnered builders suggest that “affordable” in Huntingfield might still require a mortgage that would make most average wage earners wince.

With median house prices in the Kingborough municipality hovering well above the reach of many, and new house-and-land packages in the subdivision likely to push north of $700,000—or even $800,000 depending on the builder—the definition of affordability is being stretched to its breaking point. A 450m² block, touted as the “average,” is hardly a sprawling estate, yet buyers are expected to pay a premium for the privilege of living in what critics fear will become a high-density enclave.

We don’t need to speculate on the definition of “affordable”—the numbers are already in black and white. A search of listings from the government’s own partnered builders reveals the stark reality.

One “affordable” package currently listed for Lot 135 in the new subdivision comes with a jaw-dropping price tag of $832,000 (comprising $320,000 for the land and $512,000 for the build).

To put that figure in perspective, the current median house price in Huntingfield sits at approximately $715,000. This means the government’s solution to the housing crisis involves releasing land that creates homes over $100,000 more expensive than the existing market average.

Furthermore, this pricing exposes a bureaucratic absurdity. In late November, the government raised the MyHome Shared Equity Program price cap for new builds to $800,000.

With packages like Lot 135 pricing in at $832,000, these homes are mathematically ineligible for the very support scheme Abetz claims will make them accessible.

We are left with a “MyHome exclusive” release period where the actual products on offer are too expensive for MyHome customers to legally buy.

Much of the government’s pitch relies on the MyHome shared equity program to bridge the gap. Abetz touts this as a helping hand, reducing upfront costs.

However, independent observers and opposition voices have long raised red flags about the mechanics of this scheme.

The program effectively locks participants into a single-lender ecosystem, primarily through Bank of Us. Critics, including independent MLC Meg Webb, have previously highlighted that this lack of competition can leave vulnerable buyers paying higher interest rates than they might find on the open market. By funnelling low-income buyers into a model where the government retains a chunk of their equity, we risk creating a two-tier system of ownership where the “owner” is little more than a glorified tenant with a mortgage.

It is also impossible to ignore the timeline.

This “milestone” arrives years later than originally promised. The Huntingfield project was meant to be the flagship of the fast-track land release legislation. Instead, it has been bogged down in delays, red tape and planning disputes.

The government praises the “small-lot housing” model as nationally recognised.

Locals might call it something else – cramping. The push for smaller blocks—some designated for terraces and townhouses—maximises yield for the developer but raises genuine questions about liveability and infrastructure strain in an area already struggling with traffic congestion on the Channel Highway.

While any increase in supply is technically a positive step, the Huntingfield release looks less like a silver bullet for the housing crisis and more like a band-aid on a bullet wound.

Until we see transparent pricing that genuinely aligns with Tasmanian wages, and a support scheme that doesn’t shackle buyers to a government-approved monopoly, this announcement remains just that – an announcement.

Prospective buyers should indeed visit the sales office, but they should leave their rose-tinted glasses at home.

Media release – Eric Abetz MHA, Acting Minister for Housing and Planning, 10 December 2025

Huntingfield land release ready for first new homes

Prospective homebuyers can now take their first step towards building their new home with the first lots in the Huntingfield subdivision officially on the market today.

The 33 lots in this first release will all be sold as house and land packages.

The Tasmanian Government has partnered with seven Tasmanian builders to deliver these homes: Buildwise, Cunic Homes, Podmatrix, Ronald Young & Co, SJM Property Developments, Tassie Homes and Wilson Homes.

Acting Minister for Housing and Planning, Eric Abetz, said the release marks a milestone for the project, which will ultimately deliver hundreds of lots.

“There has been exceptional interest from the public in buying land and homes at Huntingfield, and we’re pleased to open sales for the first lots,” Abetz said.

“The Huntingfield Land Release Project is creating more high-quality, affordable housing opportunities for Tasmanians.”

The remaining 170 lots in Stage 1 will become available in 2026 and will include a mix of land-only lots and house-and-land packages, giving buyers flexibility in how they choose to build their future home.

Lots across the Huntingfield subdivision will range in size – from compact blocks for terraces and townhouses through to larger lots for detached family homes – with an average lot size of 450m². Huntingfield also features Tasmania’s first small-lot housing, a nationally recognised model that supports more affordable home ownership.

“Whether you’re a first-home buyer, a downsizer or a growing family, Huntingfield will have options to suit a range of household needs and budgets,” Abetz said.

“Eligible buyers will also be able to access support through the MyHome shared equity program, helping reduce their upfront and ongoing costs.”

All lots of land and house and land packages will be made available exclusively to MyHome customers or first home buyers for the first 30 days, after which unsold lots will be released to the wider public.