Questions & Answers

How can I apply for a reduction in the Lease Variation Charge if my development is eligible as a Missing Middle development?

The process is not simply an application asking the government to reduce an existing LVC assessment. The ACT Government specifies the following process:

  1. The ACT Government will calculate how much Lease Variation Charge (LVC) you need to pay and send you a Notice of Assessment.

  2. Defer paying the LVC.
    Instead of paying the LVC straight away, you enter the LVC Deferred Payment Scheme. This allows you to postpone the payment while you complete the development.

  3. Finish the development on time.
    You need to complete all the dwellings and obtain the required Certificate of Occupancy and Use by 31 December 2030.

  4. Get the reduction and pay the remaining LVC.
    Once you meet the requirements and exit the Deferred Payment Scheme, the eligible reduction is applied to your LVC. You then pay the reduced amount instead of the full charge.

Reference: Lease Variation Charge reduction for missing middle development – ACT Government

Last reviewed: 27 August 2026 Information current as at: 1 September 2026

Short Answer

Receive your LVC assessment, defer the payment through the LVC Deferred Payment Scheme, complete the development by 31 December 2030, and then the eligible 50% reduction is applied when you exit the scheme and pay the remaining LVC.

Detailed Explanation

The process is not simply an application asking the government to reduce an existing LVC assessment. The ACT Government specifies the following process:

  1. Wait for your LVC assessment.

    The ACT Government will calculate how much Lease Variation Charge (LVC) you need to pay and send you a Notice of Assessment.

  2. Defer paying the LVC.

    Instead of paying the LVC straight away, you enter the LVC Deferred Payment Scheme. This allows you to postpone the payment while you complete the development.

  3. Finish the development on time.

    You need to complete all the dwellings and obtain the required Certificate of Occupancy and Use by 31 December 2030.

  4. Get the reduction and pay the remaining LVC.

    Once you meet the requirements and exit the Deferred Payment Scheme, the eligible reduction is applied to your LVC. You then pay the reduced amount instead of the full charge.

Key Point

No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.

Would you like to know what these rules mean for your property?

Get a Planning Assessment prepared by our experienced planning team.

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