{{ 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 Tradepass Advertise jobs 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 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 Maintaining 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 Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
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 2024 Australian Home of the Year Enter online 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

The RBA has gone too far

Media release

The RBA has gone too far

Media release
“The number of loans issued for the purchase and construction of a new home has fallen to their lowest level since 2008, and the number of detached building approvals has fallen to its second lowest month since 2013. This is despite the urgent need to increase the supply of new homes,” stated HIA’s Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.

The ABS released the Lending to Households and Businesses data for June 2023 today, as well as the same month’s building approvals data for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories.

“When the RBA first increased the cash rate there was a record volume of houses under construction, and a record volume of new houses approved, but not commenced. This large volume of work in the pipeline has obscured the adverse impact of rising rates on the wider economy,” added Mr Reardon.

“Compounding the rise in the cash rate, increased government regulatory costs, rising land prices and construction costs are further impeding an increase in the supply of new homes.

“This lack of new work entering the pipeline threatens to worsen the affordability crisis.

“Australia has a structural undersupply of housing, with rental vacancy rates around the country at record lows, driving rents and dwelling prices to new heights.

“The return of overseas workers and students, without an equivalent boost to housing supply, will exacerbate the situation.

“The only solution to addressing this crisis is to increase the supply of new housing. 

“Against the headwinds of rising interest rates, governments need to respond by reducing the tax on housing, attract more investment, improve the supply of land for greenfield and brownfield projects and invest in new public housing stock. 

“At its core, the shortage of housing is caused by a lack of investment. Investors are crucial to delivering new housing supply, especially in the increasingly important apartment sector. Despite this, governments and regulators have squeezed investors, especially foreign investors, out of the market with lending restrictions, fees and tax surcharges.

“Increased investment is also required from owner occupiers and from government.

“With the volume of houses commencing construction expected to reach decade lows in 2024, this is the ideal time for governments to invest in public housing stock. During down cycles, government will get a better return on their investment and help maintain the skill base in the industry that will be required in future years.

“Governments cannot resolve this shortage of housing stock by increasing or imposing more taxes on housing,” concluded Mr Reardon.

Lending for purchase and construction of a new home

Source: ABS

For more information please contact:

Tim Reardon

HIA Chief Economist

Thomas Devitt

HIA Senior Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
19 Dec
Victorian Government completes Cabinet reshuffle

The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, has completed a Cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of the long serving Treasurer, Tim Pallas.

18 Dec
Funding for crisis housing important to housing mix

“Today’s announcement of a $1 billion investment towards crisis, temporary accommodation and transitional housing forms an important part of the housing mix and recognises the need for targeted measures to support increasing supply of all forms of housing,” stated Jocelyn Martin, HIA Managing Director.

18 Dec
North QLD Annual Regional Meeting of Members

Notice of Annual Regional Meeting of Members of North Queensland Region

18 Dec
SafeWork NSW focusing on mental health in construction

Over the coming months, SafeWork NSW inspectors will be speaking with principal contractors, site supervisors and health and safety representative (HSRs) to ensure they have effective systems in place to manage psychosocial hazards and risks.