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.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Enter your details below and create a login
”The Victorian Government’s decision is only about improving the financial performance of the DBI scheme and is premature as the industry waits for the government to announce possible reforms to the scheme.
“This premium increase, which will directly add to the fees and charges paid by home buyers, will not be accompanied by any changes to the insurance benefits.
“The increase also adds to many challenges facing the residential building industry. This will do nothing to help deliver an increased number of desperately needed new homes.
“Home builder cashflow positions, already precariously thin under the weight of sustained pressure from rising building material and labour costs, will be further squeezed by the significant hike in DBI premiums.
“Builders want to stay competitive, but they will have little option but to factor the premium rise into the cost of a new dwelling and pass on to home buyers,” said Mr Ryan.
While acknowledging pressure on premiums has been building for some time due to VMIA’s growing claims exposure to builder insolvencies in recent years, Mr Ryan said the order of magnitude of the across-the-board increase from 1 September is unfair and without precedence.
The vast majority of Victorian builders are not triggering DBI claims and are continuing to complete homes for their clients despite the current challenges they all face.
“Last week’s decision by the Reserve Bank to keep interest rates on hold provided a respite for the embattled residential building sector.
“This announcement has dented that relief and is a stark reminder to home builders that the cost of doing business in Victoria is getting harder, not easier," concluded Mr Ryan.
The Victorian Government has introduced the Labour Hire Legislation Amendment (Licensing) Bill 2025 (the Bill) into parliament. It amends the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 to address concerns about criminality in the construction sector.
“Sales of new homes for construction jumped 25.9 per cent in September following a series of policy changes, including a cut to the cash rate in August, removal of Lenders Mortgage Insurance and easing in planning restrictions,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.
“Victoria commenced construction on just 7,650 new detached houses in the June quarter 2025, the weakest quarter for the state in almost 12 years and a new low for this cycle,” stated HIA Executive Director Victoria, Keith Ryan.
The Victorian Government has introduced the State Taxation Further Amendment Bill 2025 into Parliament. This Bill includes a number of tax changes, including the much discussed congestion levy changes.