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“The number of loans for the construction of a new dwelling rose in February marking six consecutive months of record highs,” stated HIA’s Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.
The ABS released its data on lending indicators for the month of February today.
“The number of construction loans to owner occupiers in the three months to February 2021 is 43.0 per cent higher than the previous quarter and is two-and-a-half times higher than the same time last year,” added Mr Reardon.
“Lending for renovations also rose further, reaching its highest level since 2009. The value of loans for alterations and additions in the three months to February 2021 is 47.6 per cent higher than the same time last year.
“First home buyers are riding the HomeBuilder wave, accounting for over 40 per cent of loans over the last seven months. This is the strongest share for first home buyers since the stimulus associated with the GFC.
“Demand for new housing has been surging since mid-2020 due to a combination of the HomeBuilder program, record low interest rates and the shift in populations away from apartments and capital cities towards detached housing and regional areas.
“Households have changed their spending habits in response to the COVID-19 interruptions. Many have diverted funds that would have typically been spent on travel and entertainment into buying a new home or improving their existing one.
“This data provides further evidence of the exceptionally strong volume of new homes that will commence construction in 2021 as well as record level of expenditure on renovations,” concluded Mr Reardon.
Across the states, the number of loans to owner-occupiers for the construction of a new dwelling in the three months to February 2021 compared to the same time last year has:
HIA is aware that over the past week members have been receiving a range of advice from suppliers on cost increases to several building materials and other related construction equipment such as skips, plant and equipment hire.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has backed Brisbane City Council’s ‘More Homes, Sooner’ plan, warning that community opposition risks undermining much-needed housing supply and worsening affordability pressures across the city.
HIA is aware that industry is raising concerns about price increases to fuel and materials arising from the conflict in the Middle East. To assist members to account and respond to price increases we have prepared information on dealing with cost uncertainties and fluctuations under HIA contracts.
This opinion piece from HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon responds to the Reserve Bank of Australia Financial Stability Review and discusses how the cumulative tightening of macroprudential settings has increasingly locked first home buyers out of the market.