{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationHome ownership gets even further out of reach for first home buyers in NSW
Home ownership gets even further out of reach for first home buyers in NSW
Member and guest login
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.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
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.
For more information please contact:
Housing and Productivity Contribution Scheme Works-in-Kind Guideline
In mid-June 2025, the NSW Premier released the Housing and Productivity Contribution (HPC) Works-in-Kind Guideline for public consultation.
Government announces broader licensing powers and HBCA review
Today the State Government announced proposed changes to the regulatory powers to investigate registered builders who may be unable to meet the financial requirements of registration. The announcement also included a long-awaited review of the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 (HBCA) and associated laws.
HIA welcomes changes providing confidence for home building
Housing Industry Association welcomes today’s announcement by the Cook Labor Government to review key aspects of the home building contracts legislation and provide the building regulator with additional powers to work with builders in distress.
Interest rate cuts boost building approvals
“Two cuts to the cash rate have seen the volume of detached house building approvals rise to be 3.2 per cent higher than the same month last year,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.