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“In 2022 detached dwelling approvals decreased 18 per cent in the Hunter and 28 per cent on the Central Coast compared to the 2021 calendar year,” said Craig Jennion, HIA Hunter Executive Director.
“Accounting for 66.8 per cent of all approvals in the Hunter detached homes remained the preference for home buyers, despite the decline. However, on the Central Coast they fell to 48.8 per cent as a result of increased multi-unit approvals”.
“In 2022 a total of 3,966 new dwellings were approved in the Hunter, a fall of 23 per cent compared to the previous year. Dissimilarly 1,603 total approvals on the Central Coast ensured the region duplicated the number of residential homes approved for construction compared to 2021. This was a result of elevated activity in the south of the municipality”.
“Much of the heavy lifting for the residential sector continues to occur in the local government areas of Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Maitland. These top 3 locations for approvals accounting for 65.4 per cent of total approvals”, said Mr Jennion.
“The value of approved major renovations and alterations diverged, with Hunter approvals decreasing by 13 per cent to $276.2 million and the Central Coast increasing by 6 per cent to $157.5 million. Like detached and multi-unit dwelling approvals all growth on the Central Coast occurred in the south of the municipality, where the total value increased 12 per cent”.
“The declines, particularly those in the latter half of 2022, were expected following the end of the HomeBuilder grant and a cooling market that was influenced by increases in the cost of construction. This was triggered by material and labour shortages”, explained Mr Jennion.
“Looking ahead, residential building activity will remain strong on the back of the large pipeline of work approved over the past 2 years, however the impact of increasing interest rates will keep demand for new homes at a level below that observed in recent years”.
“Pleasingly, the relative affordability advantages the region has over other locations will support continued demand for new homes, ensuring the important contribution residential construction provides the local economy continues in the near future,” concluded Mr Jennion.
House | 12 months to Dec 21 | 12 months to Dec 22 | % change |
Central Coast | 1,084 | 783 | -28% |
Cessnock | 278 | 263 | -5% |
Lake Macquarie | 1,073 | 830 | -23% |
Maitland | 875 | 598 | -32% |
Newcastle | 298 | 187 | -37% |
Port Stephens | 394 | 477 | 21% |
Dungog | 46 | 43 | -7% |
Singleton | 45 | 44 | -2% |
Muswellbrook | 44 | 35 | -20% |
Scone | 13 | 14 | 8% |
Gloucester | 18 | 25 | 39% |
Great Lakes | 141 | 135 | -4% |
4,309 | 3,434 | -20% |
Unit Approvals | 12 months to Dec 21 | 12 months to Dec 22 | % change |
Central Coast | 526 | 820 | 56% |
Cessnock | 34 | 59 | 74% |
Lake Macquarie | 487 | 430 | -12% |
Maitland | 336 | 183 | -46% |
Newcastle | 744 | 404 | -46% |
Port Stephens | 325 | 126 | -61% |
Dungog | 0 | 0 | - |
Singleton | 0 | 0 | - |
Muswellbrook | 0 | 0 | - |
Scone | 0 | 0 | - |
Gloucester | 0 | 2 | - |
Great Lakes | 10 | 111 | 101% |
2,462 | 2,135 | -13% |
Total Dwellings | 12 months to Dec 21 | 12 months to Dec 22 | % change |
Central Coast | 1,610 | 1,603 | -0% |
Cessnock | 312 | 322 | 3% |
Lake Macquarie | 1,560 | 1,260 | -19% |
Maitland | 1,211 | 781 | -36% |
Newcastle | 1,042 | 591 | -43% |
Port Stephens | 719 | 603 | -16% |
Dungog | 46 | 43 | -7% |
Singleton | 45 | 44 | -2% |
Muswellbrook | 44 | 35 | -20% |
Scone | 13 | 14 | 8% |
Gloucester | 18 | 27 | 50% |
Great Lakes | 151 | 246 | 63% |
6,771 | 5,569 | -18% |
“Australia’s population reached 27.4 million by the end of 2024, up by 445,900 people, or 1.7 per cent for the year,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Tom Devitt.
The Tasmanian election that no-one wanted to have is in full swing, and while the limited campaign period is unlikely to provide the usual platform to promote key policies and reforms, HIA is calling on both major parties to prioritise housing policies given the significant challenges across the state.
“Our dated and complex planning system is littered with speed bumps that could easily be removed”, said Brad Armitage, HIA NSW Executive Director.
“The Victorian government’s proposal to update home building contract laws to make them fit for use in the 21st century is welcomed by HIA,” stated HIA Executive Director, Keith Ryan.