Federal Budget 2026: Winners and losers from workers and first homebuyers to property investors

Workers and first homebuyers are among the winners of the Federal Budget while the Government has broken its promise to keep property investor taxes.

Winners

Workers

A new $250 Working Australians Tax Offset was announced in the Budget but you won’t have the money in your pocket until at least the second half of 2027. The tax offset will roll out and become permanent from July next year. Combined with the $1000 tax deduction, the two could save the average worker $54 per week.

First homebuyers

Changes to the capital gains tax and negative gearing are expected to bring less competition for first homebuyers with the Government claiming it could help 75,000 more Australians achieve home ownership. Investors looking to sell before the capital gains tax changes in July 2027 could increase housing stock.

Small businesses

The Federal Government want to see Australian businesses grow by introducing a permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses, a two-year loss carry back for all companies with up to $1 billion in turnover, and loss refundability for start-ups.

Aged care sector

It is hoped there will be more space for older Australians to move into aged care homes with the Budget including $3 billion to deliver more aged care beds and home care packages.

Losers

Property investors

While first home buyers could win out with the axing of negative gearing concessions and changes to capital gains tax, property investors can expect the opposite. It is expected investors, especially those who invested recently and are under pressure from high interest rates, could consider selling before the changes come into effect.

Landlords

The benefits of negative gearing tax concessions will be limited to new residential properties from July next year.

Over 65s

From April next year, a private health insurance rebate for those over 65 will be slashed meaning seniors will be paying more for their insurance.

NDIS participants

The overhaul of the NDIS, which involves slashing $35 billion, will see 160,000 people cut from the service in the next four years.