{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationHome building reforms to boost consumer confidence (Vic)
Home building reforms to boost consumer confidence (Vic)
Member and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
“The introduction of the Building and Plumbing Commission as an integrated regulator for the building industry would be the most significant change and how it exercises its powers will be critical to the success or otherwise of the reforms.
“The proposed reforms pave the way towards providing greater certainty for prospective homeowners looking to embark on a new building project and should in turn provide builders with capacity to deliver more homes for Victorians.
“The current system for regulating home building in Victoria has become increasingly fragmented, outdated and overly complex for builders and consumers to navigate.
“The domestic building insurance (DBI) system, for example, has done a reasonable job in protecting consumers building or renovating a house, but is long overdue for review and reform and needs to be more contemporary and fit for purpose in today’s environment.
“Another key area requiring reform is the cost of domestic building insurance premiums in Victoria, which have increased substantially in the past two years and is undermining housing affordability.
“Home builders are also finding access to DBI policies increasingly difficult to obtain which is limiting their capacity to take on more work. Consumers are also finding that their choice of builder or finance is being questioned by DBI insurers.
“This is a major issue for both industry and the Victorian government in the ability to deliver more homes as part of the Victorian government’s ambitious housing agenda.
“It is therefore pleasing to see the reforms announced today that seek to address these matters.
“At the same time HIA remains concerned with some aspects of the changes announced today. This includes the move towards a ‘first resort’ DBI system.
“This approach needs further detailed consideration to ensure that this does not just add more cost and complexity to the home building process. It also needs to be supported by a fair and fast dispute resolution system.
“The suitability of the introduction of a developer bond scheme for homes not covered by DBI is also questionable as a similar scheme introduced in New South Wales has struggled in its operation and effectiveness.
“Today’s announcements provide some important initiatives to improve consumer and home builder confidence, though more detailed industry consultation is needed to ensure that the right balance is achieved.
“HIA will continue working with the Victorian government on an effective package of building reforms that seeks to strike this right balance for both consumers and builders,” concluded Mr Ryan.
For more information please contact:
Researchers give pre-apprenticeship training the nod
“Of the estimated 34,000 apprentices who will commence a construction trade apprenticeship this year, we expect fewer than 20,000 will make it through to complete their qualification. This must improve,” stated Geordan Murray, Executive Director - Future Workforce.
Stamp duty tax cuts extended what you need to know
The Victorian Government has extended its stamp duty concession for off-the-plan properties, providing continued financial relief for homebuyers. This initiative aims to support the housing market and make home ownership more accessible.
National Policy Competition Analysis
HIA provided a submission to the National Policy Competition analysis 2025.
Prioritising Mental Health in WA residential building industry
As West Australia’s residential building industry continues to grow and evolve, it’s important we take a step back and look at something we often overlook - our mental health.