{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationNew home sales weaken in February following January surge
New home sales weaken in February following January surge
Member and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
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.
“Nationally, sales over the three months to February were unchanged compared to the previous quarter and remain significantly higher than a year earlier,” added Mr Tapang.
“This reflects a steady recovery in new home demand over the past year rather than a sharp cycle turning point.
“This result for February should be interpreted in the context of both volatility and timing. The decline follows a strong January result and coincides with a material shift in interest rate expectations. It is likely that both factors have contributed to the weaker outcome.
“At the same time, policy uncertainty has increased with discussion around potential changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing possibly contributing to a decline in market confidence.
“Similar declines in sales occurred prior to the 2019 election, the last time that an increase in taxes on investors was debated.
“Despite the adverse impact of the rise in the cash rate, and talk of increasing the taxation imposts on housing, demand remains stable given low unemployment and strong population growth. This has seen tight rental markets pushing established home prices higher.
“The coming months will provide clearer evidence on how sensitive new home demand is to higher borrowing costs in the current environment,” concluded Mr Tapang.
Western Australia was the only state to record a monthly increase in February, with a 13.2 per cent increase. The largest decline was seen in South Australia (-32.0 per cent), followed by Queensland (-29.2 per cent), Victoria (-25.4 per cent) and New South Wales (-19.0 per cent).
Download our latest HIA New Home Sales Report
Private New House Sales - Australia (seasonally adjusted)
For more information please contact:
Security of payment act changes start 15 April 2026
Last year the Victorian government made changes to the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (SOP Act), with some of those changes to start from 15 April 2026.
New HIA report calls for action to unlock Tasmania's housing supply
Outdated subdivision and minimum lot size controls are preventing Tasmania from delivering the homes it needs, according to a new Housing Industry Association report.
Nothing brings satisfaction like a tradie career
“The knowledge that there will be good employment prospects at the completion of training, provides piece of mind for today’s up and coming tradies,” said HIA Executive Director Future Workforce, Mike Hermon.
Outdated lot size rules locking out thousands of new homes
New Housing Industry Association (HIA) analysis shows state and local governments are actively blocking housing supply while publicly committing to fix affordability.