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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

HIA calls for urgent insurance and contracts reforms

Media release

HIA calls for urgent insurance and contracts reforms

Media release
“The Housing Industry Association calls for the Victorian government to urgently complete reviews of domestic building insurance and contract rules in Victoria” HIA Executive Director, Victoria, Keith Ryan said today.

“The Victorian government released its Housing Statement last year and has a target of building 800,000 homes in ten years.  HIA supports the government’s objective to increase housing supply by building more homes but the uncertainty on future building insurance and contract rules is causing unnecessary stress for the industry.”

“It was confirmed yesterday that over the past 12 months there has been a significant decline in housing approvals across the state.  New home sales have also been weak.  This makes the government’s target more difficult to achieve.”

“Home builders want the Victorian government to achieve the target.  They want to build more homes, but they need to have government policy settings that help them remain financially stable and secure.”

“First, home builders and consumers need better access to domestic building insurance (DBI).  Recent premium increases and restrictions on builder’s capacity to get DBI are preventing some consumers and builders from being able to enter into home building and renovation contracts.”

“Second, the legislation that regulates the contracts between consumers and builders is antiquated and not fit for purpose.  This legislation not only fails to adequately protect consumers but also imposes unnecessary restrictions on home builders.“

“The government completed a public consultation process on a review of the Domestic Building Contracts Act over five months ago.  Since then, we have seen little to no progress on this review.”

“It is acknowledged that the current environment of low sales and approvals is caused mainly by high interest rates and low consumer confidence.  This will however change and as Victoria’s population continues to grow and pent-up demand for housing increases. “

“When consumer confidence returns and sales increase the Victorian government needs to ensure that better domestic building insurance arrangements and home building contract legislation are already in place to support both homeowners and builders” concluded Mr Ryan.

For more information please contact:

Keith Ryan

Executive Director - Victoria

Steven Wojtkiw

Deputy Executive Director - Victoria
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