However it is not surprising that the Coalition-dominated parliamentary committee would not find a single recommendation to the government for reform.

The Turnbull government has steadfastly refused to consider any reforms to tax incentives for investors and this report neatly provides another nail in the coffin for tackling the issue.

It rejected the push to change negative gearing or capital gains tax arrangements and while it urged boosting housing supply, the report said this was a matter for the states.

The Labor opposition of course went to the recent federal election promising to abolish negative gearing except for new homes and lost.

Many Australians would be nodding their heads in agreement at the comments by the Grattan Institute that the report's conclusion was "laughable" and that "there's clearly a housing affordability problem for younger households".

Housing affordability is a hotly debated topic in Canberra, with the city generally considered to be an easier place to buy a home than other capital cities.

But the higher than average income earned by residents that gives us this label means the housing market has a higher entry point - stopping many people from purchasing a home.

While there are a multitude of apartment projects around the territory, it is becoming increasingly difficult for young people to buy freestanding houses.

The Mr Fluffy home buyback and demolition scheme has added further pressure on the market in established suburbs in recent times and greenfield sites are snapped up quickly.

The ACT government is at great pains to spruik its housing affordability policies and has taken important if sometimes unpopular steps to improve the situation - like the decision to abolish stamp duty, and have a percentage of "affordable" blocks of land in new estates.

By neatly finding that housing affordability is attributed to housing supply - a responsibility of the states - the federal government now has again ruled out real reform that could make a difference.

It is a great shame and sets the great Australian dream of home ownership further out of reach for future generations.