{{ 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
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA SafeScan 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 Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Value for money Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards Getting it right on site 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

ABS data shows mixed signals for Tasmanian housing approvals

Media release

ABS data shows mixed signals for Tasmanian housing approvals

Media release
New housing approval figures released today show Tasmania’s residential construction market remains resilient but constrained, with strong monthly growth in detached housing offset by ongoing land supply pressures and fragile momentum in multi unit development.

Detached house approvals rose 14.5 per cent in March to 213, according to the latest data, providing a short term boost for builders. However, approvals remain 1.5 per cent lower over the past 12 months, highlighting the stop start nature of new home construction across the state.

Housing Industry Association (HIA) Executive Director Tasmania Benjamin Price said the figures reinforce that demand for housing remains solid, but supply-side constraints continue to hold the market back.

“The monthly lift in detached approvals is welcome, but the longer term trend shows Tasmania is struggling to maintain momentum,” Mr Price said.

“The biggest handbrake on new housing right now isn’t demand, it’s the lack of affordable, shovel ready land coming onto the market.”

Mr Price said builders are increasingly ready to build, but delays in land release and infrastructure provision are preventing projects from getting underway.

“If we want to see more homes built and ease pressure on housing affordability, governments must prioritise the timely delivery of serviced land at prices households can actually afford,” he said.

Multi unit approvals remain extremely low on a monthly basis, with just two units approved in March. While Tasmania is not traditionally a large unit market, Mr Price warned that emerging momentum must not be lost.

“Unit approvals have effectively been wiped out month to month, but over the past 12 months approvals have nearly doubled to 160 units,” he said.

“That tells us there is demand for more diverse housing options, particularly in well located areas, and we cannot afford to lose that momentum.”

Mr Price said medium density housing will play an important role in meeting Tasmania’s future housing needs, particularly as population growth and household formation continue to put pressure on supply.

“Detached housing will always be a cornerstone of Tasmania’s market, but units and townhouses are essential if we’re serious about improving affordability and increasing overall supply,” he said.

“Planning systems, zoning and infrastructure delivery all need to support that outcome.”

“The Tasmanian Government’s Improving Residential Standards planning reforms could go some way to improving higher density development in Tasmania – but we need to see action in this space now”.

HIA continues to call on all levels of government to accelerate land supply, streamline approvals and remove barriers to housing delivery to ensure builders can respond to demand and deliver the homes Tasmanians need.

For more information please contact:

Benjamin Price

Executive Director - Tasmania
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
11 Jun
Key air conditioning considerations for builders and clients

Discover the key air conditioning considerations for builders and homeowners, including system selection, energy efficiency, zoning, comfort, installation planning and long-term performance in new homes.

11 Jun
HIA welcomes the expansion of the NSW Government’s Pre-sale Finance Guarantee

“The Housing Industry Association welcomes today’s announcement by the NSW Government of the expansion of the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee” said Brad Armitage, Executive Director NSW.

11 Jun
Infrastructure remains the barrier to increased housing supply

“Residential land prices increased by 1.5 per cent in the final quarter of 2025 to be 9.4 per cent higher over the year, increasing almost three times faster than consumer prices over the same period,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.

11 Jun
HIA Values statement for the residential building industry

This Values Statement sets out HIA's position in relation to the core beliefs and principles that should guide the residential construction industry, shaping how it operates, conducts business, and interacts with all stakeholders.