{{ 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 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 Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
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 2025 Australian Home of the Year Enter online 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

Home ownership gets even further out of reach for first home buyers in NSW

Media release

Home ownership gets even further out of reach for first home buyers in NSW

Media release
“Long-standing constraints on new home building in NSW, particularly land supply and planning system inefficiencies, are locking more and more first home buyers out of home ownership,” stated HIA Executive Director, NSW, Brad Armitage.

Today the ABS released the Lending Indicators data for the December quarter 2024, which provides the latest statistics on housing finance commitments.

“Today’s release from the ABS reveals that home ownership is falling further and further out of the reach of would-be first home buyers in Sydney and NSW,” added Mr Armitage.

“The value of new loan commitments for first home buyers fell 24.4 per cent in the December quarter, and 11.3 per cent in the December quarter on the corresponding quarter in 2023.

“Today’s publication also revealed that there were 10,810 loans issued to owner-occupiers for new dwelling purchase and construction in NSW in 2024. This is 1.0 per cent lower compared to the previous year.

“While first home buyers are feeling the greatest pinch of inadequate supply of new housing, owner occupiers in general are being squeezed by the cost of new homes.

“Home building activity is tracking at historic lows and both detached houses and apartments are falling out of the reach of more and more first home buyers.

“An inadequate supply of land for residential development, particularly in greenfield areas, is pushing up the prices of house and land packages at a concerning rate.

“HIA research indicates that the median price of a house and land package in Sydney is now approximately $1.15 million.   

“Now is the time for bold reform measures to bring home ownership back into the reach of more families in Sydney and the regional areas of New South Wales.

“The first home owner grant is currently immaterial when compared to the cost of the median house and land package. 

“The grant needs tripling at a minimum and the caps must be reviewed as they simply do not reflect the market. 

“Furthermore, NSW needs to consider a reform of the existing stamp duty exemption/concession arrangement, and consider a replication of the policy in the Northern Territory- a full exemption on any new dwelling with no applicable price cap.

“Such policies will go a long way toward boosting the supply of new dwellings in NSW and keeping the home ownership dream alive for New South Wales individuals and families who are pressed in extremely tight rental markets,” concluded Mr Armitage.

Source: ABS

For more information please contact:

Brad Armitage

Executive Director – NSW

Matt King

Deputy Executive Director NSW
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
19 Dec
Annual Regional Meeting of Members of Victoria Region

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Regional Meeting of Members of the Victoria Region of Housing Industry Association Limited will be held on Monday 16 February 2026 at HIA Cremorne Office – Level 1, 8 Gwynne Street, Cremorne, Victoria, 3121 commencing at 5.00pm.

18 Dec
Buyer Protections Regulations released tick the box consultation

The Victorian government has released today, on the stroke of Christmas for public consultation the draft regulations implementing parts of the Building Legislation Amendment (Buyer Protections) Act.

18 Dec
HIA applauds WA Cook Government’s housing investment in mid-year review

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has congratulated the WA Cook Government on its strong economic management and decisive action to address housing supply challenges through the Mid-Year Budget Review.

18 Dec
Buyer protection reforms – hidden and flawed

“HIA is extremely disappointed with the Victorian government seeking to rush through their flawed buyer protection regulations during summer holidays,” stated HIA Victoria Executive Director, Keith Ryan.