{{ 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

Victorian housing lags the smaller states

Media release

Victorian housing lags the smaller states

Media release
“Victoria is behind Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia in HIA’s latest Housing Scorecard, reflecting a dramatic change in fortunes over the last five years,” stated HIA Executive Director Victoria, Keith Ryan.

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.

“Five years ago, Victoria was at the top of the Scorecard, following booms in both detached and multi-unit activity and strong population growth from both overseas and interstate,” added Mr Ryan.

“Since then, Victoria lost its appeal to interstate arrivals, with many residents leaving for states like Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia.

“In contrast, the success of South Australia shows the value of having a strong, vibrant state government able to make clear decisions that support the housing sector and wider state economy.

“The South Australian Government’s Housing Roadmap includes bold new planning reforms, streamlined development approvals, skills investment and a strong focus from policymakers on land release.  It goes far beyond what is being attempted in Victoria.

“In Victoria, State Government policies have compounded the problem. A failure to provide sufficient shovel-ready land has seen land costs soar. Punitive taxes and obstructionist regulations on builders and on development have deterred investment in home building.

“Investors have been much slower to return to Victoria compared to other markets. The result is that commencements of detached houses and multi-units have tumbled, sitting around decade lows.

“Victoria is set to fall a long way short of its housing targets, with forecasts of barely more than 60,000 new home commencements per year over the next five years.

“Victoria’s share of the national 1.2 million homes target would imply the construction of around 75,000 new homes per year. The Victorian government have been even more ambitious, setting a goal of 80,000 new home builds per year.

“A few interest rate cuts from the RBA will not be sufficient to meet these targets.

“The outlook for home building in Victoria is going to depend on the ability of state policymakers to bring affordable shovel-ready land to market and reduce costs and regulations on home buyers, investors and builders. 

“Failure to address the structural issues around land costs, tax, investment and the regulatory burden, means Victoria will continue to struggle beyond the short term to address the affordability challenges and housing shortages currently prevalent across the state,” concluded Mr Ryan.

HIA Housing Scorecard
Source: HIA Economics, ABS

For more information please contact:

Keith Ryan

Executive Director - Victoria

Thomas Devitt

Senior 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.