{{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 locationRegions benefit from exodus from Sydney and Melbourne
Regions benefit from exodus from Sydney and Melbourne
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
ABS data released today includes housing finance, building approvals and interstate migration.
“The exodus of residents from Melbourne is a trend that has emerged following the COVID recession with more than 32,000 residents departing in the year to March. Sydney also lost 31,600 residents to other parts of the country over the same time however, this is consistent with the trends of the past 20 years,” added Mr Reardon.
“This shift in population is the main driver of the tight rental market that exists across the country, other than in Sydney and Melbourne.
“Regional areas have seen a greater increase in building approvals than capital cities as the population shifts toward lower density areas.
“The 220,000 building approvals in 2020/21 is the most in a financial year since 2017/18.
“Given that the population is moving interstate and building new homes it is unlikely that they intend to return to Sydney or Melbourne.
“The shift in population out of Melbourne is a new trend and one that is compounded by the loss of overseas migration that has underwritten economic growth in Victoria for the past decade.
“ABS Housing Finance data was also released today and shows that there were 94.4 per cent more loans issued for construction of a new home than in the previous financial year. This is the most loans ever issued for construction in a 12 month period.
“HomeBuilder and other grant programs have also ensured that there were more loans issued to first home buyers in 2020/21 than in any previous financial year.
“Building approvals and issuing of loans for construction did fall in the month of June 2021, confirming that the bulk of new projects initiated under HomeBuilder have passed the last regulatory hurdles,” concluded Mr Reardon.
For more information please contact:
Detached house approvals rise in July
“The volume of detached houses approved for construction nationally increased by 0.6 per cent in the month of July 2025 ahead of the 5 per cent deposit guarantee announced last week,” stated HIA Senior Economist Maurice Tapang.
Sustainable Homes recognised at HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards
NSW builder Progressive Building took home two national awards at the prestigious 2025 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards, for a renovation based on passive house principles.
NSW builders win national sustainable building awards
Three NSW builders were announced as winners at the prestigious 2025 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards, competing against sustainable projects from across Australia.
Western Australian builders win three national sustainable building awards
Western Australian builders took home three awards at the prestigious 2025 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards announced today in Sydney.