{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Data & forecasts Tailored research and analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance Construction legal expenses insurance Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services How can safety solutions help you? Independent site inspections Solutions for your business Contracts Online HIA Tradepass HIA SafeScan Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Professional services Industrial relations Member savings Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all
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 Falls from heights Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects COVID-19 Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) 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 and 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 products
HIA products $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Shop @ HIA Digital Australian Standards Contracts Online Shipping & delivery Purchasing T&Cs See all Products Purchase NCC 2022 Building codes & standards Economic reports Hard copy contracts Guides & manuals
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 commencements in 2023 were the lowest since 2012

Media release

New home commencements in 2023 were the lowest since 2012

Media release
“There were only 163,836 new homes that commenced construction in 2023, the lowest volume of starts in over a decade, and far from the 240,000 required each year to meet the Australian government’s target of 1.2 million new homes over the next five years,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.

The ABS this week released its building activity data for the December Quarter 2023. This data provides estimates of the value of building work and number of dwellings commenced, completed and under construction across Australia and its states and territories.

“There were 30,062 detached houses that completed construction in the December Quarter 2023, but only 23,893 new houses commencing construction,” added Mr Reardon.

“This was one of the strongest quarters of house completions of the last five years, up by 4.3 per cent compared to the previous quarter to produce a total of 114,178 completions in 2023 calendar year.

“New house commencements, however, have been declining for over two years, with a small 2.9 per cent uptick in the December quarter after an unexpectedly weak September quarter. This resulted in just 99,708 new detached house commencements in 2023, the lowest in a calendar year for a decade.

“With commencements at a decade low and completions at elevated levels, the result is that the volume of houses under construction is falling rapidly. The volume of homes under construction fell by 7.9 per cent in the December quarter albeit from record high levels over recent years.

“Commencement of multi-units also remains around decade lows, with a 2.1 per cent decline in the December quarter bringing the calendar year to 63,004, even lower than the 63,022 in 2022. These are the two weakest years for multi-unit commencements since 2012.

“This slowing in home building will drag on national economic growth in 2024.

“This has been an incredibly well broadcast housing downturn, with a 2024 trough in detached housing commencements predicted back in May 2022 when the RBA first started increasing interest rates.

“This lack of new work entering the pipeline is occurring at the same time that Australia is experiencing record population growth on top of a pre-existing and acute shortage of housing,” concluded Mr Reardon.

For more information please contact:

Tim Reardon

HIA Chief Economist

Thomas Devitt

HIA Senior Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
22 May
Place Strategy provides opportunity for Newcastle to be bold

“The release today of the draft ‘Place Strategy for Broadmeadow’ provides an exciting opportunity for Newcastle to be bold ,” commented HIA Hunter Executive Director, Craig Jennion.

21 May
Help to Buy Program Directions 2024 - Exposure Draft

HIA provided a submission into the Help to Buy Bill Program Directions 2024 Exposure Draft.

21 May
Changes to significant and regulated trees (SA)

On 16 May, the South Australian Government introduced new laws on ‘significant and regulated’ trees that included changes to designated trunk dimensions that have an immediate effect.

21 May
Find Inspiration at the HIA Building & Renovation Show

With over 100 exhibitor’s onsite and many more attractions on display those looking to build or renovate will find plenty of inspiration at the upcoming HIA Building & Renovation Show.