All forms of taxation entail trade-offs of equity and efficiency. This course provides built environment professionals with an overview of land and property taxation. We introduce key concepts in taxation before comparing different approaches to taxing land and property. How do developer charges affect development feasibility? Do increased taxes on property raise costs for homebuyers and businesses?
Planners will gain understanding of how their work impacts land values, and how revenue policy can support the aims and objectives of planning.

Designed For

Town planners and anyone with an interest in taxation and urban economics. It is aimed at those without a prior knowledge of property development or urban economics.

Learning Outcomes 

• Understand the residual land value model that forms the basis for understanding the economic effects of planning on land values.
• Understand key concepts related to tax efficiency- including basis, incidence, & marginal excess burden.
• Understand key concepts related to tax equity with reference to planning and urban development processes – including beneficiary pays principle, land value capture, and betterment. 

Presenter

Dr. Tim Helm is an economist with experience across a wide range of policy areas including transport economics, tax policy, gambling licensing and taxation, and environmental policy and more. He previously worked as an economist with Ernst & Young, as well as the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance and the NZ Treasury. Tim holds a Masters degree in Commerce (Hons), University of Melbourne (2005) and Bachelors degrees in Commerce (Hons) and Science from Victoria University of Wellington. His PhD in Economics from the University of Melbourne focused on the economics of land tax.

Dates 

This course is a full day offering delivered across 2 half days. 

Monday, 1 June 2026 | 9:30AM - 1:30PM | Part 1 
Tuesday, 2 June 2026 | 9:30AM - 1:30PM | Part 2

Terms & Conditions 

Registrations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the event date will not incur any fees and a full refund will be granted.

If you cannot attend and you are within 14 days of the event date, you can transfer your ticket to another person.

In all other situations we cannot issue a refund or credit.

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