The Autumn 2026 Scorecard shows that overall residential construction in Tasmania remains below long term averages. While there are early signs of stabilisation in detached housing, activity remains fragile and uneven, and the state continues to lag every other jurisdiction.

“Tasmania’s bottom ranking is not a shock, but it is deeply concerning,” said Benjamin Price, Executive Director Tasmania at HIA.

“This result confirms what builders, buyers and renters already know - we are not building enough homes, and the system is holding back supply.”

The most significant weakness remains in multi unit housing, where approvals, commencements and work underway are all dramatically lower than normal. Activity in this part of the market is now more than forty to sixty per cent below decade averages.

“You simply cannot address housing affordability or rental shortages without delivering more units and apartments,” Mr Price said.

Detached house commencements recorded a modest improvement over the quarter, however approvals remain below historic norms and the pipeline of future work remains thin.

“Any recovery at this stage is tentative,” Mr Price said. “Weak approval numbers today become housing shortages tomorrow.”

Demand for housing in Tasmania has not disappeared. First home buyer lending remains above its long term average, and investor activity has also lifted. However, supply continues to lag behind demand, placing ongoing pressure on prices and rents.

At the same time, Tasmania is the only state where overseas migration remains below its decade average, and interstate migration is showing signs of shifting into net outflow.

“Housing supply underpins population growth and workforce availability,” Mr Price said.

“If people cannot find a home, or cannot afford one, Tasmania will struggle to attract workers and retain local families.”

Mr Price said the latest Scorecard result should act as a clear warning to governments.

“This is not just an interest rate issue – it is a structural supply problem,” he said.

“Without decisive action, Tasmania risks locking in chronic housing shortfalls for years to come.”

HIA is calling for faster and more predictable planning approvals, a stronger pipeline of build ready land, reforms to enable multi unit and medium density housing, lower regulatory and compliance costs, and better coordination between housing, infrastructure and population planning.

“You do not fix housing affordability by talking about it,” Mr Price said. “You fix it by building more homes, and right now Tasmania is not doing that at the scale required.”

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