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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.
“Over the last 25 years, the price of the typical new residential lot of land has risen more than three times faster than construction costs,” stated HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) today welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s announcement that Mr Ben Wilson has been appointed interim Chief Executive Officer of Homes Tasmania, stepping down from his role as Chair of the Homes Tasmania Board.
“Today is a bad day for business in NSW with the passage of the Digital Work Systems Bill,” said Brad Armitage, HIA NSW Executive Director.
The South Australian Government recently introduced changes to the laws that deal with licensing of builders and trades, as well as domestic building contracts. These changes commenced on 15 January 2026.