{{ 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 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

Land prices a massive constraint on home building in Victoria

Media release

Land prices a massive constraint on home building in Victoria

Media release
“Over the last 25 years, the price of the typical new residential lot of land in Victoria has risen more than four times faster than construction costs,” stated HIA Executive Director Keith Ryan.

The HIA-Cotality Residential Land Report provides updated information on sales activity in 52 housing markets across Australia, including the six state capital cities.

“Since 2000, residential land prices in Melbourne have increased by more than 500 per cent, and more than 600 per cent across regional Victoria. Over the same period, construction costs and the price of skilled labour little more than doubled. The long-run escalation in housing costs has been driven overwhelmingly by land,” added Mr Ryan.

“The way governments release, service and tax land has embedded the cost of infrastructure, delays and planning decisions into land prices. Those costs are paid upfront, capitalised into land values and ultimately borne by new home buyers.

“The latest HIA-Cotality Residential Land Report, released this week, also shows the median price of residential land in Melbourne rose again in the September quarter to a near record high, up almost 10 per cent over the year and growing at more than three times the pace of consumer price inflation.

“It was easy over the last few years to lose sight of what has been the most pressing constraint on Victorian home building – everything has been under pressure since the pandemic.

“But the return of housing demand on the back of strong population growth and tight labour markets, together with a dearth of new apartment projects in recent years, is once again putting greater pressure on state pipelines of shovel-ready land.

“The shortage of shovel-ready land is central to solving the affordability challenge. 

“Without a healthy pipeline of shovel-ready land across both Melbourne and Victoria’s regions, along with all the associated infrastructure, fairly funded, the return of demand for new housing will be diverted into the established housing market, further driving up prices and worsening the affordability crisis,” concluded Mr Ryan.

Download our HIA-Cotality Residential Land Report

Residential Median Lot Value - Victoria

For more information please contact:

Keith Ryan

Executive Director - Victoria

Thomas Devitt

Senior Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
15 May
WA Cost Plus Contract Update: What Members Need to Know

The WA Cost Plus Contract has been updated to improve clarity, accuracy and usability for builders. Changes include revised contract schedule items, updated document references and a new clause covering contract interpretation and document precedence.

15 May
OHS Regulations review – proposals for construction, falls and infringement provisions

HIA provided additional feedback regarding the SRG proposal papers for construction, falls and infringement offences.

15 May
2026-27 HIA SA Pre-Budget Submission

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) makes the following submission to the Treasurer and the Department of Treasury to inform deliberations ahead of the 2026-27 South Australian Budget.

14 May
Budget in Reply signals strong focus on productivity, investment and housing supply

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the ambition of the Coalition’s Budget in Reply handed down tonight, including measures that support business investment, improve productivity and boost housing supply,” said HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin.