{{ 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 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 Maintaining 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 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 Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
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 2025 Australian Home of the Year Enter online 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

Sales of new homes rise to 13-month high

Media release

Sales of new homes rise to 13-month high

Media release
“The volume of new home sales increased by 6.9 per cent in the month of May 2025, to reach the highest level in 13 months,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Maurice Tapang.

The HIA New Home Sales report is a monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states and is a leading indicator of future detached home construction.

“This rise in sales follows the second cut to the cash rate in over four years,” added Mr Tapang.

“The monthly increase in new home sales is consistent with demand factors remaining robust, as Australia records low levels of unemployment, strong population growth and rising prices for established homes. 

“Across the states, the results have been mixed. This month, New South Wales and Victoria were the only states surveyed to report increased sales volumes, albeit from very depressed levels.

“Sales volumes in New South Wales and Victoria have been exceptionally weak over the past two years. This increase is the first suggestion of an improvement in market conditions in these states. 

“New South Wales reached a 20-month high since the pull-forward in new home sales in September 2023, while Victoria reached a 13-month high since its pull-forward in April 2024.

“New home sales in Queensland remained relatively stable in May, following a strong increase in sales recorded in the previous month. This upward trend in the volume of sales in Queensland has been evident for at least the past year. 

The volume of sales in South Australia and Western Australia also fell in the month but remain robust. The continuation of a $10,000 incentive for construction workers to relocate to Western Australia will assist to resolve its key constraint, labour capacity.

“Even with further cuts to the cash rate, and a recovery in market confidence, there remains a shortage of housing in Australia due to the regulatory barriers to increasing supply,” concluded Mr Tapang.

New home sales in the three months to May 2025 rose by 19.6 per cent in Western Australia compared to the previous quarterly period. This was followed by Victoria (+16.9 per cent), Queensland (+7.2 per cent) and New South Wales (+3.6 per cent). Over that same period, South Australia recorded a 5.8 per cent decline in sales.

Download our latest HIA New Home Sales Report

Private New House Sales - Australia (seasonally adjusted)

Source: HIA Economics

For more information please contact:

Maurice Tapang

HIA Economist

Tim Reardon

HIA Chief Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
19 Jun
Population data highlights contradiction in government policy

“Australia’s population reached 27.4 million by the end of 2024, up by 445,900 people, or 1.7 per cent for the year,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Tom Devitt.

19 Jun
Tasmanian Election - Stadium or no stadium we still need housing

The Tasmanian election that no-one wanted to have is in full swing, and while the limited campaign period is unlikely to provide the usual platform to promote key policies and reforms, HIA is calling on both major parties to prioritise housing policies given the significant challenges across the state.

19 Jun
‘Getting Keys in Doors’ shouldn’t be this difficult

“Our dated and complex planning system is littered with speed bumps that could easily be removed”, said Brad Armitage, HIA NSW Executive Director.

18 Jun
New home building contract laws welcomed by HIA

“The Victorian government’s proposal to update home building contract laws to make them fit for use in the 21st century is welcomed by HIA,” stated HIA Executive Director, Keith Ryan.