{{ 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 Advertise jobs 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 Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
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

Housing shortage to get worse

Media release

Housing shortage to get worse

Media release
The Federal Budget will make Australia’s housing shortage worse by reducing the supply of new homes at a time when the country is already struggling to house a growing population.

The Government’s own Budget papers admit that changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax will reduce the supply of new housing by around 35,000 homes over the next decade. 

HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said the Budget was attempting to solve a housing shortage by discouraging the investment needed to build more homes.

“Australia’s housing challenge is simple. Consider it as if we are trying to fit 11 million households into around 10 million homes,” said Mr Reardon.

“The solution to a housing shortage is to build more homes. This Budget does the opposite.”

From 1 July 2027, negative gearing for residential property will be limited to new builds, while the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount will be replaced with cost base indexation and a 30 per cent minimum tax rate on capital gains. 

Treasury estimates the reforms will support around 75,000 additional owner occupiers over the next decade, but at the cost of reducing the supply of new homes. 

“The Government is stopping 35,000 private homes from being built in order to raise enough revenue to build around 4,000 public homes,” said Mr Reardon.

“That is a terrible trade-off in the middle of a housing crisis.”

Mr Reardon said the reforms misunderstood how housing investment supports new home building.

“Investors are critical to funding new housing supply and commenced around half of all new home builds in the past,” he said.

“If investors leave the housing market, fewer projects proceed and fewer homes get built.

“The Government assumes investors will simply redirect their money into new homes, but housing investment doesn’t work like that.

“If the overall attractiveness of residential investment falls, fewer investors participate overall.”

HIA welcomed the Budget’s additional $2 billion investment in housing-enabling infrastructure, including water, sewerage and roads, intended to unlock up to 65,000 homes. 

“These infrastructure investments are important because the industry desperately needs more shovel-ready land,” said Mr Reardon.

“But infrastructure and planning reform take years to deliver new homes. The adverse tax changes hit the market confidence immediately.”

Mr Reardon said the tax changes risk worsening rental affordability over time by reducing the supply of future rental housing.

“At a time when vacancy rates remain critically low, reducing the number of investor-funded homes being built will inevitably place upward pressure on rents,” he said.

“The Government deserves credit for recognising that infrastructure, planning and approvals are barriers to supply.

“But you cannot tax your way out of a housing shortage.

“The only lasting solution to housing affordability is more homes.”

For more information please contact:

Tim Reardon

HIA Chief Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
15 May
WA Cost Plus Contract Update: What Members Need to Know

The WA Cost Plus Contract has been updated to improve clarity, accuracy and usability for builders. Changes include revised contract schedule items, updated document references and a new clause covering contract interpretation and document precedence.

15 May
OHS Regulations review – proposals for construction, falls and infringement provisions

HIA provided additional feedback regarding the SRG proposal papers for construction, falls and infringement offences.

15 May
2026-27 HIA SA Pre-Budget Submission

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) makes the following submission to the Treasurer and the Department of Treasury to inform deliberations ahead of the 2026-27 South Australian Budget.

14 May
Budget in Reply signals strong focus on productivity, investment and housing supply

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the ambition of the Coalition’s Budget in Reply handed down tonight, including measures that support business investment, improve productivity and boost housing supply,” said HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin.