{{ 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

1.2 million homes achievable with these policies, and further reforms

Media release

1.2 million homes achievable with these policies, and further reforms

Media release
“The policy proposed today by the Hon. Peter Dutton MP, would increase the volume of new homes commencing construction and could be sufficient to achieve 1.2 million new homes commencing construction over a 5 cycle,” stated HIA managing Director, Jocelyn Martin.

“This scheme would see tens of thousands of additional homes commence construction each year, taking pressure of established house price growth by increasing the supply of new homes and at the same time, reducing demand for rental properties as first home buyers move to their new home. 

“The scheme could see at least 30,000 new homes commence construction, as first home buyers move out of the established market to build new homes. 

“The volume of new homes commencing construction is at its lowest for more than a decade and has remained at that level for 3 years. There were around 166,000 new homes that commenced construction in 2023 and again in 2024. This is the lowest volume of new home commencements since 2012.

“There is an acute shortage of housing in all regions across Australia. The only solution to this problem is to increase the supply of new homes commencing construction. 

“Governments impose significant costs on new home building that have restricted the supply of new homes over recent decades. In Sydney, up to $575,000 of the cost of a new house and land package is just the taxes, fees and charges. The first 15 years of a mortgage a spent paying for government costs, and the second 15 years pay for the land and the home. 

“First home buyers bear a disproportionate burden of these costs. First home buyers must save to pay for stamp duty upfront, and don’t have the benefit of the equity in existing housing assets to support their purchase.

“For this reason, governments have a significant role to play in offsetting the taxes, fees and charges that are incorporated in the cost of new home for first home buyers.

“In addition to the policies announced today, all tiers of government need to work together to bring down the cost of delivering a new home to market. 

“All three tiers of government have added additional, unnecessary costs, to delivering a new apartment and detached home over the past 5 years. Offsetting these costs with tax cuts is a step forward.

“In addition to these policies governments need to work together to stop increasing the cost of homes by ensuring all agencies are coordinated and focused on reducing the cost of home building.

“To make inroads into improving housing outcomes across the board, we need bold and effective reforms, and today’s announcement from both major parties outline the types of structural changes and investments needed to support more young Australian’s get their keys in the door to their own home,” concluded Ms Martin

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Tim Reardon

HIA Chief Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
23 Jun
The NSW Budget builds on existing housing supply reforms

“HIA welcomes the initiatives to support new housing announced by the Treasurer as part of today’s NSW State Budget,” said Brad Armitage HIA NSW Executive Director.

23 Jun
Building indemnity caps lifted to combat rising building costs

On 1 July 2026, builders will receive a 9% increase to eligibility and job profile limits for building indemnity insurance. These changes are designed to keep up with rising construction costs and are a welcome change for the industry. This is one update you don't want to overlook - keep reading to find out if you are eligible, or what you can do to opt-out.

23 Jun
Anti-money laundering laws to apply to builders selling new homes

New federal anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws (AML/CTF laws) will take effect from 1 July 2026. If you are a property developer or builder selling new homes and blocks of land, you may be providing a ‘designated service’ and have obligations under these new AML/CTF laws.

22 Jun
Regional Victoria must be central to housing solutions ahead of state election

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is calling on all political parties contesting the Victorian election this November to make housing a top priority and to place regional Victoria at the centre of their plans, as builders, industry leaders and political representatives gather in Wodonga for a Regional Housing Roundtable.