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

South Australia tops Housing Scorecard

Media release

South Australia tops Housing Scorecard

Media release
“The outlook for home building in South Australia has taken a marked step up in recent years, as economic and policy dynamics increasingly shift in the state’s favour,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.

HIA’s Housing Scorecard benchmarks contemporary levels of activity in each state and territory against long term averages across indicators of home building and renovations activity, lending data and population flows.

“South Australia has been supported by elevated numbers of overseas arrivals, and far fewer local residents leaving for other states than in recent history,” added Mr Devitt.

“This has helped South Australia produce the strongest detached housing and renovations markets in the nation.

“First home buyers have been more active in the South Australian market than any other. The only time they were more active in the state was during periods of stimulus associated with the GFC and the pandemic.

“Investors have also returned rapidly to the South Australian market, with the number of investor loans issued surging back to record highs.

“Recent analysis by HIA has shown that policymakers in South Australia arguably have the best understanding of the problems facing housing supply and the actions required to improve the situation.

“The release of the South Australian Government’s Housing Roadmap included bold new planning reforms, streamlined development approvals, skills investment and a strong focus from policymakers on land release. This has South Australia well placed in terms of medium term housing supply.

“The complete and uncapped removal of stamp duty for first home buyers building or purchasing a new home in South Australia is also one of the best housing policies in the country. It would be desirable to see the policy take the next step and be extended to all new home buyers.

“Rounding out the top three in the HIA Housing Scorecard were Western Australia and Queensland. Both have seen strong population growth from both overseas and interstate, supported by relatively affordable land and housing.

“New South Wales and Victoria have slipped in the rankings as land costs, punitive taxes and obstructionist regulations weigh on home building activity and drive many residents interstate.

“The Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania round out the rankings, with these markets seeing an exodus of residents interstate, often in response to unaffordable land costs.

“This is why the outlook for homebuilding across different markets is going to depend on the ability of state policymakers to bring affordable shovel-ready land to market and help reduce costs and regulations on home buyers, investors and the industry,” concluded Mr Devitt.

HIA Housing Scorecard
Source: HIA Economics, ABS

For more information please contact:

Thomas Devitt

Senior Economist

Tim Reardon

HIA Chief Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
15 May
WA Cost Plus Contract Update: What Members Need to Know

The WA Cost Plus Contract has been updated to improve clarity, accuracy and usability for builders. Changes include revised contract schedule items, updated document references and a new clause covering contract interpretation and document precedence.

15 May
OHS Regulations review – proposals for construction, falls and infringement provisions

HIA provided additional feedback regarding the SRG proposal papers for construction, falls and infringement offences.

15 May
2026-27 HIA SA Pre-Budget Submission

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) makes the following submission to the Treasurer and the Department of Treasury to inform deliberations ahead of the 2026-27 South Australian Budget.

14 May
Budget in Reply signals strong focus on productivity, investment and housing supply

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the ambition of the Coalition’s Budget in Reply handed down tonight, including measures that support business investment, improve productivity and boost housing supply,” said HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin.