{{ 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
Support & guidance
Ask an expert Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards
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
For your business
Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA SafeScan
Apprentices
Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Value for money
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right
Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards 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 HIA Made 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

Policy changes see spike in home building

Media release

Policy changes see spike in home building

Media release
“Sales of new homes for construction jumped 25.9 per cent in September following a series of policy changes, including a cut to the cash rate in August, removal of Lenders Mortgage Insurance and easing in planning restrictions,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.

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.

“The volume of new homes sold nationally increased by 25.9 per cent in the month of September 2025. This is the largest monthly increase since the final phase of the HomeBuilder grant in March 2021,” added Mr Reardon.

“This sees sales in the September quarter a more modest 4.0 per cent higher, to reach its highest quarterly volumes since October 2022.

“Sales of new homes in September were notably stronger in New South Wales and Victoria where sales have previously struggled to recover despite the cut to the cash rate. These markets have been very slow to respond to the cuts to the cash rate.

“The rise in sales in New South Wales and Victoria could be a sign that new home building is returning to more average levels, but further data will be necessary to support this view.

“The cut to the cash rate is the primary driver of the rise in sales of new home this year. Other factors include low unemployment, strong population growth and rising established home prices.

“The rise in established home prices is seeing more households choosing to build a new home, because it is cheaper than an established home.

“The removal of the requirement for LMI for first home buyers has seen builders across the country report increased first home buyer activity.

“Lowering the cost of borrowing is expected to see an increase in new home building, and therefore have a positive impact on the supply of homes. Because this policy change doesn’t impact the amount a first home buyer can borrow, it doesn’t add to their risk of default.

“Around a third of all new homes are built by first home buyers and they play an important role in increasing housing supply.

“The announcement is likely to have seen more confidence in the market outlook for all households, not just first home buyers.

“Additional policy reforms including accelerated approvals processes in New South Wales through complying development pathways (CDCs) and lower infrastructure costs appear to be having a positive impact on supply. 

“Further reforms to fast-track approvals as well as accelerated Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) decisions and further planning reforms could further increase supply.

“Australia will likely fall well short of the goal of 1.2 million new homes, but policy levers are starting to move in the right direction in many states,” concluded Mr Reardon.
This month’s increase in new home sales nationally was driven by all states, led by a 34.8 per cent increase in Victoria. New South Wales trailed closely behind with a 34.4 per cent monthly increase, followed by Queensland (+25.0 per cent), Western Australia (+14.2 per cent) and South Australia (+7.5 per cent).

Private New House Sales - Australia (seasonally adjusted)

Source: HIA Economics

For more information please contact:

Tim Reardon

HIA Chief Economist

Thomas Devitt

Senior Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
24 Sep
Inquiry into the financial and operational performance of TasWater

HIA statement to the Public Accounts Committee by Benjamin Price, Executive Director Tasmania.

24 Sep
Changes to ACT property developer licensing

Just days before property developer licences become mandatory on 1 October 2026, the ACT Government has introduced a Bill to amend the Property Developers Act 2024.

24 Sep
Preparing for the card surcharge ban

The card surcharge ban starts on 1 October 2026. Find out what the changes mean for builders, contractors and suppliers, and learn how to prepare your pricing, contracts and payment systems.

24 Sep
Brick supply and allocation update

HIA continues to engage with government, manufacturers and industry stakeholders regarding the current brick allocation arrangements and the impact on home building across Western Australia.