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“The number of loans for the construction of a new dwelling fell by 4.9 per cent in August but remains elevated compared to pre-COVID levels,” stated HIA Economist, Tom Devitt.
The ABS released the Lending to Households and Businesses data for August 2021 today. The publication presents statistics on housing finance commitments including for the purchase or construction of new dwellings.
“The number of loans for the construction of new homes has continued its decline since the end of HomeBuilder in March,” added Mr Devitt.
“Despite these declines, the number of loans still remains up by 51.0 per cent in the three months to August 2021 compared to the same period two years ago.
“This will ensure a solid pipeline of home building work and associated employment well into the second half of 2022.
“First home buyer activity has also remained elevated and they now account for 35 per cent of the market. This remains above the average of the last decade as they take advantage of record low interest rates.
“Investor activity is also returning to long term trends with lending to investors rising by 1.5 per cent in August. Investors now account for almost one-third of the value of loans issued. This remains well below the peaks seen pre-COVID when macro-prudential restrictions were introduced.
“Lending for home renovations however, remains exceptionally high. The value of loans issued for renovations in the past three months is 122.7 per cent higher than the same period last year. This has been driven by record household savings and structural shifts as we spend more time at home,” concluded Mr Devitt.
Across the states, the number of loans to owner-occupiers for the construction of a new dwelling in the three months to August 2021 compared to the same time last year has increased in almost all jurisdictions:
- South Australia by +69.6 per cent
- The Australian Capital Territory by +61.3 per cent
- Western Australia by +48.0 per cent
- Tasmania by +44.2 per cent
- New South Wales by +27.8 per cent
- Victoria by +27.5 per cent
- Queensland by +20.0 per cent
- The Northern Territory is down by 48.0 per cent.

For further information please contact:
Tom Devitt, Economist 0439 514 656
Tim Reardon, Chief Economist 0423 141 031
HIA successfully lobbed for an expansion of fast-track planning approvals in NSW. Now the NSW Government is proposing to introduce two new planning pathways designed to streamline the assessment process for for low rise residential development. These new pathways are part of the NSW Government's planning system reforms.
“New home sales in the month of April increased by 4.9 per cent despite rising interest rates and domestic and global uncertainty,” stated HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon.
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the Commonwealth and Queensland Government’s announcement of more than $2 billion agreement to support the delivery of up to 51,000 new homes, including 20,000 exclusively for first home buyers across the state” said HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed today’s announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirming the release of former Defence land at Dowsing Point to support new housing in Greater Hobart.