{{ 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
Support & guidance Ask an expert Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards 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 For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA SafeScan Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Value for money
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards 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

New Home Sales Volumes Remain Low

Media release

New Home Sales Volumes Remain Low

Media release
“New home sales fell back in October, down by 8.1 per cent for the month,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.

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

“The spike in sales that emerged in September, caused by regulatory changes in NSW, was more than reversed in October,” added Mr Devitt.

“Buyers rushed to get ahead of NSW regulations that will add significantly to the cost of a new home, causing an extraordinary spike in sales in the state in September.

“This drawing forward of home purchasing decisions is anticipated to continue weighing on sales over coming months.

“The sales performance in October was consistent with the weakness observed throughout 2023 and will see new house starts continue to decline.

“Interest rates continue to weigh on confidence, with the industry headed for its weakest year of new house commencements in over a decade.

“The RBA’s November decision to continue the steepest hiking cycle in a generation, risks further deepening and prolonging this trough in home building.

“This coincides with Australia’s deepening housing crisis, with record population growth and acute rental shortages reflecting the need for a strong pipeline of new housing supply.

“Increasing the supply of homes will require policymakers to help lower the cost of building. This means reforms to tax, land release and planning, and loosening macro-prudential rules that squeeze out owner-occupiers and investors alike,” concluded Mr Devitt.

New home sales across Australia in the three months to October fell by 5.8 per cent compared to the same quarter in the previous year. By jurisdiction, sales were similarly down in South Australia (-20.1 per cent), New South Wales (-17.4 per cent), Queensland (-15.0 per cent) and Victoria (-13.8 per cent). Sales in Western Australia increased by 42.2 per cent compared to the same three-month period in 2022.

Private New House Sales - Australia (seasonally adjusted)

Source: HIA New Home Sales Report

Tim Reardon

HIA Chief Economist

Thomas Devitt

Senior Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
30 Jul
EIE – Standard and model conditions of consent

HIA commented on the Explanation of Intended Effect for Standard and model conditions of consent (the EIE). It is understood the EIE explains the proposed amendments to State Environmental Planning Policy 2021 that will give effect to consistent conditions of consent for residential development across the state.

30 Jul
Tasmanian home approvals lift, but still short of what’s needed

Home building approvals in Tasmania have climbed over the past year, though the numbers remain well below the level needed to meet demand.

30 Jul
Solid apartment approvals fail to reverse housing slowdown in ACT

The latest building approvals data shows the ACT residential building market remains subdued, with detached housing continuing to struggle and the momentum that emerged in the apartment market during 2025 now showing signs of fading.

30 Jul
Detached house approvals 7 per cent higher in 2025/26

“Building approvals for new houses in the month of June 2026 increased to its highest level since August 2021,” stated HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon