What Canberra's 99-Year Land Leases Mean for Homeowners as Expirations Loom

Canberra’s land is owned by the Commonwealth and leased to private owners for 99 years, a framework created to curb early-20th-century speculation and ensure orderly development. All private and commercial parcels fall under this system, and the lease term does not reset with each sale. Each year between ten and forty-six leases reach expiry; this year 32 are due, prompting the City and Environment Directorate to issue renewal notices well in advance.

Homeowners pay an administrative fee of about $540 to extend the lease, while commercial lessees face a $4,800 charge, with hardship provisions available through the ACT Treasury. Although the law technically allows the government to refuse renewal, experts say it has never happened and would provoke major political backlash. If a lease lapses, owners can remain on the land on a holding-over basis while the renewal process is completed.