When housing and business mix

Key points

• Housing affordability is increasingly a business concern for western Sydney, affecting the ability to attract and keep staff. The author says first-home buyers can use federal schemes, including a five per cent deposit option and Help to Buy, which allows a minimum two per cent deposit.
• NSW also offers transfer-duty assistance. The author notes these programs do not make housing affordable for everyone and that borrowers still need to manage repayments and ongoing costs.
• Helping people settle locally, the author argues, supports a strong local economy.