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The ABS released the Lending to Households and Businesses data for December 2023 today, which provides statistics on housing finance commitments.
“The ABS has been collecting data on lending for new homes since 2002, and today’s data shows the lowest number of these loans being issued on record,” added Mr Devitt.
“The steepest RBA rate hiking cycle in a generation has compounded the elevated costs of home building, seeing potential home buyers squeezed out of the market and fewer new homes commencing construction.
“This lack of new work means the pipeline of new housing supply approaching completion is now shrinking rapidly.”
“At this rate, Australia will not commence enough housing to meet National Cabinet’s target, falling well short of the 1.2 million new homes they want to see built in the next five years.
Today’s data reinforce the need for immediate action by Governments to improve planning regimes, reform taxes on housing, release more shovel ready land, reduce red tape, and address skilled worker shortages.
“These are some of the key measures needed to increase the construction of new homes and support the industry to build more of these much needed homes.”
“At a time of record population growth and acute shortages of rental accommodation, a dwindling supply of new homes threatens to worsen Australia’s housing crisis,” concluded Mr Devitt.
In original terms, the total number of loans issued for the construction or purchase of new homes in 2023 declined in all jurisdictions compared to the previous year, led by the Australian Capital Territory (-51.4 per cent) and followed by the Northern Territory (-33.5 per cent), Tasmania (-31.0 per cent), New South Wales (-30.9 per cent), South Australia (-27.1 per cent), Victoria (-26.2 per cent), Queensland (-21.8 per cent) and Western Australia (-15.6 per cent).
“Australia’s population reached 27.4 million by the end of 2024, up by 445,900 people, or 1.7 per cent for the year,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Tom Devitt.
The Tasmanian election that no-one wanted to have is in full swing, and while the limited campaign period is unlikely to provide the usual platform to promote key policies and reforms, HIA is calling on both major parties to prioritise housing policies given the significant challenges across the state.
“Our dated and complex planning system is littered with speed bumps that could easily be removed”, said Brad Armitage, HIA NSW Executive Director.
“The Victorian government’s proposal to update home building contract laws to make them fit for use in the 21st century is welcomed by HIA,” stated HIA Executive Director, Keith Ryan.