{{ 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 Advertise jobs 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 Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
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

Strong start to 2022 for new home sales

Media release

Strong start to 2022 for new home sales

Media release
“Sales of new detached homes in the first three months remain exceptionally strong with the second strongest start to the year since 2016, eclipsed only by last year,” stated HIA Economist Tom Devitt.

The HIA New Home Sales report – a monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states – is a leading indicator of future detached home construction.

“New home sales increased by 3.9 per cent in March 2022 compared to the previous month. This leaves sales for the first three months of the year lower by 2.8 per cent compared to the previous quarter,” added Mr Devitt. 

“Excluding the period associated with the HomeBuilder stimulus, this is the second strongest quarter since 2016. 

“Despite a difficult start to the year, with staff absences associated with the Omicron outbreak and extended holiday leave, new home sales continue to sustain levels usually associated with government stimulus.

“Demand for new homes continues to be driven by a shortage of homes and an acutely tight rental market that has resulted in rapid house price and rental price growth. 

“Tighter lending conditions have had minimal impact on the market to date. With rental vacancies at close to zero demand for new homes will continue and an increase in the cash rate is likely to be the turning point for a slowing in demand.” concluded Mr Devitt.

On a quarterly basis, sales in New South Wales increased in the three months to March 2022 to be 78.5 per cent higher than the equivalent quarter in 2019, before the pandemic.

This was followed by Queensland (+33.3 per cent), Victoria (+19.1 per cent) and Western Australia (+15.4 per cent). South Australia saw the only decline over the period, down by 4.6 per cent.

Private new home sales - Australia (Seasonally adjusted)

For more information please contact:

Thomas Devitt

Senior Economist

Nick Ward

Senior Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
14 May
HIA Newcastle HOMESHOW this weekend

The Hunter region's largest and most successful home and renovation show, the HIA Newcastle HOMESHOW, returns this Saturday, May 16, 2026, offering a full day of inspiration, expert guidance and entertainment for the whole family.

14 May
Victorian Government's building legislation blitz continues

The Victorian government’s conveyor belt of legislation continues to roll out with the passing of the mammoth (623 page) Building and Plumbing Administration and Enforcement Act 2026 on Tuesday along with the introduction into Parliament of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 (only 105 pages).

13 May
Why restricting Negative Gearing to new homes doesn't increase the supply of homes

“Investors are responsible for building 43 per cent of new homes in Australia over the past year, according to ABS data released today,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.

13 May
WA home building laws review raise concerns for many builders

The State Government today released a discussion paper setting out its long-anticipated recommendations arising from the review of WA’s home building laws.