{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2025 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

NSW President’s report

{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
The first quarter of 2024 has continued to present significant challenges to the residential construction sector.

Gary Walker

HIA NSW President

Cost-of-living pressures, increased business costs, and government regulatory burdens show no signs of abating. In NSW, the NCC2022 energy requirement via BASIX is starting to impact new builds and renovations with significant cost increases, and many members are facing difficulties in meeting the requirements. As I reported last year, HIA was able to gain a reprieve for projects where building contracts were signed before 1 October 2023, allowing the former BASIX targets to be used on these eligible contracts. However, the NSW Planning Minister imposed a deadline of 30 June 2024 on these contracts.

Why is this an issue? The delays in providing the necessary infrastructure to new housing lots mean that many of these contracts are on unregistered land. And thanks to the inflexibility of the NSW Planning Portal and some council policies, you can’t get a BASIX certificate on unregistered land. We estimate some 3,000 contracts could be impacted. I am pleased to report that following significant lobbying by HIA NSW, the NSW BASIX transitional arrangements will be extended for three months to 30 September 2024 - a win for at least half of those eligible contracts in the system.

NSW land prices continue to rise disproportionately compared to other states, exacerbating the housing affordability issue in this state. Data from the HIA-CoreLogic Residential Land Report for the September 2023 quarter show that Sydney median lot prices came in at $661,250, almost double the national average and around 57 percent higher than Melbourne. Regional NSW median lot prices were $350,000, higher than many other capital cities such as Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.

The NSW Government needs to focus on measures to urgently unlock more shovel-ready land across the state and ease the pressure on spiralling land prices and housing affordability. This means faster approval times and urgent delivery of critical infrastructure.

These issues now place NSW in the unenviable position as Australia’s least affordable state for housing. According to the latest HIA Affordability Report, it now takes 2.5 median incomes to service a typical mortgage in Sydney and 2.3 median incomes in regional NSW.

The report also shows that first-home buyers in NSW need around 10 years to save for a deposit based on average weekly earnings data. Removing roadblocks and faster delivery of new housing is the only way to arrest this trend.

The NSW Government has made many announcements on planning initiatives to support supply, but it’s more than just the supply side; delivery needs a stronger focus. Government initiatives to date are not yielding the results NSW needs nor the targets of the National Housing Accord that the Minns Government has committed to. This requires a much more determined project management style by the state government in partnership with the industry — and it needs to happen now.

The housing supply crisis across the state demands that the NSW Government review the impacts of its regulatory burden on the industry. Reducing current regulations and taxes and imposing a moratorium on additional changes would be a great place to start.

Find out what's happening near you

Visit your region

You might also like

View all $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Design Inspiration Products
CSR: A HIA membership milestone
Celebrating its 60-year partnership with HIA, CSR has been supporting builders through innovative products, ethical practices, and a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges.
Sep 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Design Inspiration Projects
Triple treat
Showcasing architectural excellence, meticulous craftsmanship and luxurious finishes, the 2025 HIA Australian Townhouse/Villa Development winner proves that good things always come in threes.
Sep 25
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Business plans Financial planning In Focus Tax
Negative gearing and CGT: Sorting facts from fiction
Calls to change negative gearing and capital gains tax are gaining momentum, but many of the arguments driving this debate don’t stack up when tested against industry data and real market behaviour.
Sep 25
4 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Trends Team building Networking In Focus
Memories & milestones
Celebrating its 80-year anniversary, HIA was built over time with heart, vision and dedication. We recently invited past HIA Presidents to reflect on their time in leadership at the recent National Presidents Dinner.
Sep 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Accounting Disputes Payment Products
The payday mayday
Are late payments costing you money and derailing your projects? Use Witzer to keep those payment schedules on track so you can get paid on time, every time.
Sep 25
4 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Bathroom Inspiration Projects
Copper tones
When a building firm and interior design studio exhibited remarkable synergy, their build was so distinctive, they were awarded the prestigious 2025 HIA Australian Bathroom of the Year.
Sep 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Design Business operations HIA members Projects
Heartland homes
Award-winning builders P.A.H Innovative Construction are redefining regional homebuilding with craftsmanship, mentorship and a passion for personalised design.
Sep 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Design Kitchens Projects
Breathing new life
A seamless blend of old and new, this kitchen transformed a century-old residence into a welcoming, modern-day heart of the home.
Sep 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Business operations Design HIA members People
Building better
From humble beginnings to a thriving, client-focused business, Better Built Homes has redefined what it means to deliver quality in residential construction.
Aug 25
1 min
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Affordable Apprentice Federal government In Focus
Driving real change
With fresh leadership and a clear vision, HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin knows what it takes to build both homes and businesses. She’s championing a brighter future for Australia’s residential housing industry, backed by HIA...
Aug 25
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Affordable Building approvals Design In Focus
Granny flats set to take off
It's time to provide a more affordable alternative to Australian homebuyers, so get ready for a granny flat boom.
Aug 25
4 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building developments GreenSmart In Focus Residential
HIA: Past and present
As the voice of the residential building industry, HIA has come a long way since it began in 1945. Celebrating its 80-year anniversary, we look at its past, present and future achievements.
Aug 25
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight