Housing industry insights
Advocacy & policy
News & inspiration
Support & guidance
Member perks
Industry insurance
For your business
Apprentices
Building it right
Building materials & products
Managing your business
Managing your safety
Building your business
Other subjects
A rewarding career
Study with us
A job in the industry
Grow with us
Our podcasts
Our initiatives
Get involved
Awards
Awards winners
Industry events
Most popular products
Top categories
For your business
{{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 locationSmall business confidence falters in residential building sector
Small business confidence falters in residential building sector
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
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
New research from the Housing Industry Association (HIA) shows small businesses remain cautious about the year ahead, despite strong underlying demand for housing.
“HIA research shows that 59 per cent of our small business members surveyed do not expect to increase profits this financial year compared to last,” said HIA Chief Executive – Industry and Policy, Simon Croft.
“If businesses aren’t making reasonable returns, they lack the capital to take on new projects and reinvest in operations or staff to improve productivity – creating a cycle that’s hard to break.
“Many members report that high insurance costs, labour shortages and persistent planning delays are limiting new work and investment decisions.
“Margins are expected to remain tight, with builders continuing to absorb higher labour, material and regulatory costs, while approval timeframes and financing constraints slow projects before they even start.
“Lifting confidence – and the viability of small businesses – in the building sector must be a priority if governments are serious about tackling Australia’s housing shortfall and meeting the target of 1.2 million homes.
“Governments can make an immediate difference by accelerating planning approvals, cutting unnecessary red tape and supporting workforce growth across the construction sector.
“If confidence remains weak, fewer homes will be built. Improving conditions for builders is one of the fastest ways governments can help unlock new housing in 2026 and beyond,” Mr Croft concluded.
For more information please contact:
New rules add thousands to the cost of a new home as Tasmania falls years behind on housing
From today, every new home built in Tasmania must meet the full Livable Housing Design requirements. The Housing Industry Association says this adds thousands of dollars to the cost of building a home, at a time when Tasmanians can least afford it.
Rules for managing the risk of falls have changed - are you up to date?
Changes to Western Australia's requirements for managing the risks of falls will commence on 1 October 2026, introducing new expectations for builders, contractors and workers undertaking tasks where there is a risk of falling.
Livable Housing Design: final stage now in force
As of today, 1 October 2026, all new building work in Tasmania, unless exempt, must comply with all requirements of Part H8 Livable Housing Design of NCC Volume Two.
ACT housing approvals slump puts 2030 target under pressure
“The ACT’s housing supply pipeline is weakening, with building approvals in the three months to August halving compared with a year earlier,” said HIA Executive Director ACT and Southern NSW, Geordan Murray.