{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Value for money Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2026 Australian Home of the Year Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Detached home building to remain strong throughout 2022

Media release

Detached home building to remain strong throughout 2022

Media release
“Demand for new detached and multi-unit housing has remained strong, suggesting that the current boom in home building will be sustained throughout 2022,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.

HIA released its economic and industry Outlook Report for Australia today. The Outlook Report includes updated forecasts for new home building and renovations activity for Australia and each of the eight states and territories.

“Demand for new detached home construction has remained strong because of economic lockdowns,” added Mr Reardon.

“There has been a clear shift towards lower density housing during the pandemic and this trend does not appear to show signs of slowing. This shift is not just those in units moving to detached housing but includes a shift to fewer people per household. As a result, we have seen a significant change in the volume, type and location of new homes. These trends are similar in other countries.

“Leading indicators of demand show that the demand for new detached homes remains strong. Sales since the end of HomeBuilder (April 2021 – October 2021) are the strongest they have been since 2017 when over 115,000 detached homes commenced construction.

“This strong level of home building activity suggests that the current boom in residential construction will be sustained throughout 2022.

“The full impact of the loss of migration is yet to fully impact demand for detached housing and a rise in interest rates will mark the end of this COVID building boom.

“The shift to lower density is also the likely driver of recent demand for multi-units. Approvals for multi-units were 34.3 per cent higher in the September 2021 quarter than the same quarter a year earlier. This is being driven by both medium density housing and high-rise apartments.

“Investors are looking through the haze of the pandemic to a brighter outlook on the other side. Affordability constraints are also pushing households, particularly first home buyers, back to townhouses and apartments.

“The industry will continue to run at capacity throughout 2022, constrained by the availability of land, labour and materials. Over the year to September, the price of skilled trades increased by 5.2 per cent, while the price of materials as measured by the ABS increased by 8.0 per cent. The price of residential land increased by 8.5 per cent in the 2020/21 financial year. This has led to an increase in the cost of a new house and land package.

“These cost increases have not led to constraints on access to finance, as the cost of an established home has increased significantly faster.

“In this outlook, we have reviewed our medium-term forecasts. The COVID pandemic has had a material impact on key drivers for housing demand including density, location and type of housing. It is anticipated that the COVID pandemic will see fewer homes built in Sydney and Melbourne over the decade than was previously forecast. All other regions benefit from this shift in location of housing,” concluded Mr Reardon.

Dwelling commencements / HIA forecasts - Australia
*HIA’s National and State Outlooks are Australia’s most comprehensive housing report card, encompassing renovations activity, new home building, policy updates, global and domestic economic analysis, and dedicated state and territory housing databases. For further information or for copies of the publication (media only) please contact: Kirsten Lewis on k.lewis@hia.com.au.

For more information please contact:

Tim Reardon

HIA Chief Economist

Tim Reardon

HIA Chief Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
07 Jul
Skilled migration information session and delegation

Workforce shortages remain one of the biggest constraints on housing delivery and we are continuing to work at all ends of the spectrum to grow and develop the WA residential construction workforce – from apprentices to skilled migrants.

07 Jul
Housing targets depend on more than university graduates

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes today's contribution from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) to the national debate on education and skills, Australia needs a better balance between university and vocational education if it is to solve its housing shortage. HIA Executive Director Future Workforce Mike Hermon said today.

06 Jul
Closure of CSIRO fire testing facility risks Australia's housing innovation pipeline

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has expressed deep concern over the planned closure of the CSIRO's North Ryde Fire Technology Laboratory, warning that the loss of one of Australia's most important building-product testing facilities will have significant implications for housing innovation, product development, and the delivery of new homes.

06 Jul
Central Coast Council delivering more with accelerated approvals

Home ownership is the bricks and mortar that has helped Australia build a stable and vibrant society, but the opportunity to own a home in Australia is a challenge.

No products available