{{ 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

Inquiry into Financing for First Home Buyers long overdue

Media release

Inquiry into Financing for First Home Buyers long overdue

Media release
“The Housing Industry Association welcomes the announcement of a Senate Inquiry to examine how Australia’s financial regulations are impeding young Australians from getting into home ownership and to explore ways to reduce lending costs,” HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin, said today.

“Over the last two decades the rate of home ownership has declined and is at worrying levels. This is particularly concerning for those under 40, with the home ownership rate of 30–34 year old’s currently less than 50 per cent and those aged 25–29 just 36 per cent. 

“This reinforces that it has become increasingly difficult, if not impossible in most circumstances, for young Australians to get into home ownership. The situation places further pressures on the rental market and subsidised housing options which is not a sustainable housing model for Australia.”

“HIA recently called out the need for a policy reset to prioritise housing supply across all forms of housing so as to put downward pressure on housing affordability and rental prices.

“We need to equally have appropriate and proportional financial and lending regulations that look to support not impede people to access finance for housing and home ownership.

“Housing preferences and the expectations that people have for their housing have changed in response to the scarcity of housing and rising costs, however the ‘Australian Dream’ of owning your own home remains. We should expect our institutions to better serve the aspirations of individual Australians.

“Previous polling conducted for HIA found that 81 per cent of Australians believe that everyday Australians should be able to own their own home. The research found that 92 per cent of renting households aspire to own their own home, yet only 49 per cent of these households feel that they will achieve this aspiration. 

“Access to finance for a deposit is the biggest obstacle for Australians trying to buy their first home, especially those paying rent while saving for their deposit. 

“Given the current housing challenges, HIA believes that when it comes to getting first home buyers into a home, all options need to be on the table and ensuring housing policies can respond to changes in a timely way should be the basis for all Government actions that influence the housing market.

“Therefore, we are looking for this Inquiry to identify those financial and regulatory impediments that are holding back young Australians and identify new measures to ensure that home ownership can remain an achievable goal for everyday Australians” concluded Ms Martin.

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
10 Jul
Update: contracts signed before 1 July 2026 and optional cover

HIA will continue to update you as we receive further advice and information on the ongoing transition from Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) to the First Resort Home Warranty Scheme (FRHWS).

10 Jul
Six-month lifeline no substitute for permanent fire testing solution

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the decision to extend the lease of CSIRO's North Ryde fire testing facility by six months, saying the announcement provides valuable breathing space but does not resolve the long-term threat to Australia's building product testing capability.

09 Jul
Apartment surge sets the stage for missing middle era

“The strong pipeline of multi-unit dwelling approvals recorded during the second half of 2025 has begun to translate into construction activity,” said Geordan Murray, HIA Executive Director ACT & Southern NSW.

09 Jul
Top end apprentices helping build Australia's housing future

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor and Shadow Minister for Skills and Training Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to the HIA Skills Centre in Darwin this week to meet apprentices and discuss the workforce challenges confronting Australia's residential construction industry.