{{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 locationNew home sales remain at rock bottom
New home sales remain at rock bottom
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
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
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.
“With sales relatively stable, albeit at extraordinarily low levels for six months, it does appear that the market has reached rock bottom,” added Mr Reardon.
“This sees sales for the three months to April stable compared to the previous three months.
“This suggests that sales may have levelled out and reached a floor, barely more than half their levels from a year earlier.
“The cancellation rate remains elevated with more than one new home project cancelled for each four new homes sold per month. This is its highest level since the start of the pandemic and is resulting in an accelerated decline in the pool of work sold, but not commenced.
“The RBA’s rate increases last year and this year will continue to hold down new home sales and cause further cancellations as finance becomes unobtainable for an increasing number of buyers.
“Sales of new homes fell in all states in the three months to April except for Western Australia. Sales in Western Australia were higher in the three months to April (+37.1 per cent) than in the previous three months and year (+9.8 per cent).
“Of note, sales in Western Australia in the three months to April 2023 were 40.3 per cent higher than at the same time in 2019. This is an encouraging sign that this market may defy the best efforts of the RBA,” concluded Mr Reardon.
Over the last year, NSW has seen the largest declines, with sales in the April quarter down by 70.5 per cent on the same quarter in the previous year. This was followed by Queensland (-51.7 per cent), Victoria (-46.3 per cent) and South Australia (-13.7 per cent). Western Australia saw the only increase over this period of 9.8 per cent.
Private New House Sales - Australia (seasonally adjusted)
For more information please contact:
An update on Victorian working from home and buyer protection laws
The Victorian Government's Working from Home Bill has become available, and proposed buyer protection laws have undergone some changes.
Enforcement intensifies as compliance expectations climb
On 15 January 2026, penalties for non-compliance were increased under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995, Fair Trading Act 1987, and the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995. The reforms also introduced new offences including undertaking, or engaging others to undertake, unlicensed work.
HIA's position on Australian Standards
HIA advocates for a more transparent, efficient and accountable Australian Standards system. This policy outlines HIA's recommendations for improving the development and enforcement of Australian Standards, and the role of the Australian Building Codes Board in assessing the impact of standards referenced in the National Construction Code.
400,000 more Australians, 50,000 too few homes
“Australia needed to build more than 250,000 homes last year just to keep pace with demand growth and begin reducing the housing shortage and yet we commenced less than 200,000 homes. This is why home prices and rents are rising,” stated Tim Reardon, HIA’s Chief Economist.