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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationPopulation growth outstrips housing supply
Population growth outstrips housing supply
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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.
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An update on Victorian working from home and buyer protection laws
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On 15 January 2026, penalties for non-compliance were increased under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995, Fair Trading Act 1987, and the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995. The reforms also introduced new offences including undertaking, or engaging others to undertake, unlicensed work.
HIA's position on Australian Standards
HIA advocates for a more transparent, efficient and accountable Australian Standards system. This policy outlines HIA's recommendations for improving the development and enforcement of Australian Standards, and the role of the Australian Building Codes Board in assessing the impact of standards referenced in the National Construction Code.
400,000 more Australians, 50,000 too few homes
“Australia needed to build more than 250,000 homes last year just to keep pace with demand growth and begin reducing the housing shortage and yet we commenced less than 200,000 homes. This is why home prices and rents are rising,” stated Tim Reardon, HIA’s Chief Economist.