Economic and Taxation Benefits of the National Rental Affordability Scheme

Australia’s worsening housing affordability crisis prompted the introduction of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) to stimulate the supply of discounted rental dwellings for low‑ to moderate‑income households. This paper undertakes a value‑for‑money assessment of NRAS by quantifying its gross economic, taxation and employment benefits across federal, state and local governments. Using 2013–2014 financial‑year data, it evaluates government revenue generated through NRAS‑driven construction and investment activity, alongside direct and indirect employment outcomes. The findings demonstrate that NRAS delivered substantial economic returns relative to public expenditure and highlight opportunities for further research into the long‑term fiscal and social impacts of affordable housing incentives.