Despite this short-term dip, the broader picture is more encouraging. Over the past three months, approvals for new houses were 13.3 per cent higher than the previous quarter and 5.3 per cent up on the same period last year. Overall approvals for the quarter rose 11.7 per cent, signalling confidence returning to the market after a challenging year of cost pressures and uncertainty.

Across the past 12 months, approvals remain slightly softer, down 1.5 per cent compared to the previous year, highlighting the need for sustained momentum. But the quarterly lift is a positive sign for builders and homebuyers alike, suggesting the pipeline of new homes is strengthening.

Benjamin Price, HIA Executive Director – Tasmania, said the solution to Tasmania’s housing challenge is clear:

“Supply is the solution to Tasmania’s housing challenges. When we approve and build more homes, prices ease, choice improves, and families move in sooner. The latest quarter’s lift in house approvals is exactly the kind of momentum Tasmania needs — now we must back it with faster planning, timely infrastructure, and stable policy so builders can turn approvals into homes.”

Mr Price said the figures underline the importance of keeping approvals flowing to meet demand and tackle affordability.

“Tasmania’s housing problem is a supply problem. Every extra approval is a step toward affordability. If we want more keys in more Tasmanian hands, we need to clear bottlenecks in planning and give builders the certainty to deliver.”

While multi-unit approvals have increased compared to the same quarter last year, detached houses remain the backbone of Tasmania’s housing market and the primary driver of supply. Maintaining the recent growth in house approvals will be critical to easing pressure on families and ensuring the state has the homes it needs.

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