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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationVictorian house building hits new low
Victorian house building hits new low
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The ABS today released its building activity data for the June quarter 2025. This data provides estimates of the value of building work and number of dwellings commenced, completed and under construction across Australia and its states and territories.
“This decline in house building, combined with a moderation in multi-unit commencements, saw Victoria start construction on just 13,970 new homes in the latest quarter, a long way down from the 20,000 homes target the Victorian government has set for itself,” added Mr Ryan.
“There were previously pockets of growth in certain home building sectors, such as higher-end custom and bespoke builds and knockdown-rebuilds, but this cycle looks to have ended without volume builders seeing an uptick in demand to pick up the slack.
“Recent interest rate cuts from the RBA and the Australian government’s removal of LMI requirements for first home buyers look to be bringing more buyers back to the market but it will be a few months before this translates into construction activity on the ground.
“Since the RBA’s rate hiking cycle, Victoria has been unable to mount a strong and sustained recovery.
“Relatively weaker population and labour market dynamics, expensive residential land and increasing state government taxes and regulations on home building, have held back the state while markets like Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia race ahead.
“Deeper and wider policy reforms are needed to reduce the taxes, costs and restrictions on home builders, home buyers and home investors, if the Victorian government wants to meet its housing targets.
“All forms of housing need to be supported, including house and land packages in greenfield areas, medium density units and townhouses in middle ring suburbs, and high-rise apartments in inner city and activity centres,” concluded Mr Ryan.
Victorian housing commencements vs target, by quarter
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Major changes to Labour Hire Licensing Act
The Victorian Government has introduced the Labour Hire Legislation Amendment (Licensing) Bill 2025 (the Bill) into parliament. It amends the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 to address concerns about criminality in the construction sector.
Policy changes see spike in home building
“Sales of new homes for construction jumped 25.9 per cent in September following a series of policy changes, including a cut to the cash rate in August, removal of Lenders Mortgage Insurance and easing in planning restrictions,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.
Victorian house building hits new low
“Victoria commenced construction on just 7,650 new detached houses in the June quarter 2025, the weakest quarter for the state in almost 12 years and a new low for this cycle,” stated HIA Executive Director Victoria, Keith Ryan.
Building Permit Levy changes you need to know about
The Victorian Government has introduced the State Taxation Further Amendment Bill 2025 into Parliament. This Bill includes a number of tax changes, including the much discussed congestion levy changes.