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Commencements of detached homes rose by 5.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2022 in Victoria, from 10,005 to 10,539, with a record of almost 30,000 homes under construction. Total commencements for the last 12 months reached 46,651, also nearly a record high level.
“While there’s been a slowing in the quarterly growth figures, the volume of new homes under construction in Victoria is still 54 per cent higher than pre-pandemic,” stated HIA Victorian Executive Director, Fiona Nield.
“It is also likely that home building activity in the first quarter of 2022 was held back by staff shortages associated with the Omicron outbreak and the higher than usual uptake of holiday leave.
“Victoria also managed to complete 10,162 detached homes in the quarter, nearing record highs and just 1.1 per cent down on the previous quarter. This represents the gradual but continued progress being made in the HomeBuilder pipeline and this should help gradually reduce the pressure on supply of materials and labour.
“The volume of detached home work under construction is more than 50 per cent above pre-pandemic levels.
“This has been driven by the combination of the HomeBuilder grant, reduced personal expenditure during COVID and record low interest rates.
All the extra time Victorians were spending at home either working or locked down, resulted in a pandemic trend towards creating greater space and amenity. This has kept demand for new housing and renovations elevated post HomeBuilder. Other indicators, such as building approvals, finance approvals and new home sales, continue to show a strong volume of work entering the pipeline.
“In addition, the multi-units’ market is continuing to strengthen. Multi-unit commencements increased by 6.7 per cent in the March 2022 quarter to be 24.0 per cent up in the last 12 months compared to the previous year. This improvement has been seen in both high-rise and medium density units.
“With interest rates and the cost of building increasing rapidly, affordability constraints will increasingly push home buyers back towards more affordable, higher density living. The return of the overseas migrants, students and tourists that Victoria depend upon more than any other state or territory, will help further strengthen the multi-units market.
“The combination of all these demand and supply factors will keep Victorian builders busy in 2023” concluded Ms Nield.
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is pleased to see housing feature prominently at this week’s Economic Reform Roundtable particularly on cutting excessive red tape and streamlining environmental approvals, but as Treasurer Jim Chalmers has indicated more work is needed on easing housing construction,” said HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin.
“As an industry association whose members are embedded in the Hunter and Mid North Coast communities, HIA welcomes the $50 million Housing Support Package announced by the Albanese and Minns Governments,” said HIA Hunter Executive Director Craig Jennion.
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes today’s announcement by the Albanese Government in providing $300 million to support Australia’s future wood supply to meet increasing housing needs across the country,” said HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin.
“Today’s announcement on the successful take up of the HomeGrown Territory grant highlights the importance of this key housing support scheme that is spurring economic growth and kickstarting home building across the Territory,” stated HIA Executive Director - Northern Territory, Luis Espinoza.