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“The fact that unemployment remains very low, consumer confidence measures are improving, and households are spending money again was well received by attendees,” said Craig Jennion, HIA Executive Director Hunter.
“As a result, housing market confidence is increasing locally.
“In addition, HIA revealed new dwelling approvals remain solid for detached dwellings, unit approvals are up 16 per cent over the year to September and renovations continuing to grow, up 7 per cent over the same period.
“With the construction material price rising cycle over, build time slowly declining and the expectation that the east coast apartment cycle is restarting the Hunter is on a stable trajectory.
“On the downside the Hunter is not immune to the growing challenges faced by builders in regional centres, with workforce shortages, planning delays and a lack of enabling infrastructure is holding back new housing supply.
“What’s more housing affordability and supply are no longer just city problems they’re biting hard across regional Australia.
“According to HIA’s Housing the Regions report, regional NSW accounted for 42 per cent of all net migration inflows in 2024, showing a strong shift of people leaving the cities for regional life. Yet many centres face worsening shortages in both skilled trades and affordable homes.
“Regional communities like the Hunter are ready to grow, but they need the right support from government.
“The Housing the Regions report calls for national and state governments to focus on planning reform, land release and training initiatives to support regional growth.
“Regional NSW has a major role to play in meeting the nation’s housing targets. With the right policy focus, the Hunter can be at the forefront of Australia’s housing recovery,” concluded Mr Jennion.
Workplace laws are set for more changes in 2026.
Australia’s residential building industry has entered the new year with confidence still on shaky ground for small businesses as rising costs and policy uncertainty continue to cloud the outlook.
Tasmania’s housing market slowed in November, with building approvals falling sharply compared to October. Approvals for new homes dropped almost 20 per cent, and even after seasonal adjustment, the decline was 5.8 per cent.
Australia’s home building industry is expected to strengthen through 2026, supported by gradually improving building approvals and a recovery in demand, but the pace of growth will ultimately depend on how quickly interest rates can fall further, according to the Housing Industry Association.