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Above-trend population growth remains driven by elevated net overseas migration.
Net overseas migration (NOM) was 26.3 per cent higher over the 2023 calendar year. The rate of migration did however slow in the December quarter 2023.
This still leaves the estimated resident population around 25,000 people below its pre-pandemic trajectory. This is based on the rate of growth from the decade to 2020.
“The building industry has consistently argued for stable and reliable population growth. The boom/bust cycles in migration seen over the pandemic period leads to undesirable economic, social and business outcomes,” said HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.
“As the main determinant of population growth, the fluctuating nature of NOM has a crucial impact on workforce participation numbers, national skills capacity, productivity and overall economic output,” added Mr Reardon.
“HIA supports a managed migration program that delivers adequate skilled migrants in construction and building professions and trades to meet Australia’s ongoing housing needs.
“HIA estimates that Australia’s future underlying housing demand sits above 200,000 homes per year. Unfortunately, only 172,725 dwellings were completed in the calendar year 2023, This will add to rental and house price pressures.
“The stark demand/supply imbalance in new home building requires significant and swift policy action from all levels of government.
“Up to 50 per cent of a new house and land package is taxes, fees and charges. Reducing these costs is necessary to delivery more homes,” concluded Mr Reardon.
With Easter coming up it is time for an update on fuel price related cost increases, the proposed minimum financial requirements, and also some enforcement activity by WorkSafe.
Tasmania can deliver both the Macquarie Point Stadium and the homes the community urgently needs, but only if government adopts a clear and coordinated construction workforce strategy, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
“New house building approvals were relatively steady in February 2026 at 9,950, the second highest monthly volume in over three years,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.
Proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax would worsen Australia’s rental crisis by reducing the supply of housing and putting upward pressure on weekly rents, Housing Industry Association (HIA) Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said today.