{{ 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 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

Action Needed on First Home Owner Grant as Housing Approvals Fall

Media release

Action Needed on First Home Owner Grant as Housing Approvals Fall

Media release
“Tasmania recorded 210 new dwelling approvals in October 2025, a 15 per cent drop compared to the previous month,” said HIA Executive Director – Tasmania, Benjamin Price.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics today released its monthly building approvals data for October 2025, covering detached houses and multi-units across all states and territories.

“While approvals in October were higher than the same month last year, the sharp monthly decline highlights the volatility in the market and the ongoing challenge of delivering enough homes for Tasmanians,” Mr Price said.

Over the 12 months to October 2025, total approvals reached just under 2,400 – only 2.4 per cent higher than the previous year. Detached housing approvals were virtually flat (-0.7 per cent), while multi-unit approvals fell by 15.3 per cent.

“Tasmania’s population continues to grow and age and demand for housing is outpacing supply. Established home prices keep rising because we are not building enough new homes in well-located areas,” Mr Price added.

“One of the most effective ways to stimulate new home construction is through direct support for first home buyers,” said HIA Executive Director – Tasmania, Benjamin Price. 

“The legislation currently before the Legislative Council to triple the First Home Owner Grant is critical. Increasing the grant will help more young Tasmanians overcome the deposit hurdle, stimulate demand for new builds rather than established homes, and give builders and developers the confidence to bring projects forward.”

“We also call on the Tasmanian Government to adopt the Federal Government’s Help to Buy Scheme to complement the existing MyHome Shared Equity program,” Mr Price added.

“Together, these measures would provide a powerful combination of support – helping more Tasmanians into home ownership, boosting construction activity, and addressing Tasmania’s housing shortage.”

For more information please contact:

Benjamin Price

Executive Director - Tasmania
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
21 Aug
Preventing Pipe Failure Starts Below Ground

The HIA has been advised that due to an increase of plumbing audit inspection failures, from the 1st of September, the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) will be further policing non-compliance in the installation of sanitary plumbing and drainage pipework, namely the bedding of sanitary drainage pipes.

21 Aug
Senate Inquiry must focus on delivering more housing, not more reports

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the establishment of the Senate Economics References Committee Inquiry into social housing, describing it as an important opportunity to identify the reforms needed to deliver more housing of all forms at scale and address the bottlenecks holding back housing supply broadly.

21 Aug
New home sales decline for the third consecutive month

“Sales of new homes declined for a third consecutive month in July, falling by 3.7 per cent as higher interest rates and policy uncertainty continued to weigh on consumer confidence,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Tom Devitt.

21 Aug
National Skills Week: Showcasing diverse education pathways

HIA is proudly supporting National Skills Week this year by highlighting the construction industry’s many and diverse career opportunities.