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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

HIA welcomes grant extensions in NT Budget but calls for stronger skills focus

Media release

HIA welcomes grant extensions in NT Budget but calls for stronger skills focus

Media release
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) says the Northern Territory’s 2026–27 Budget maintains key housing incentives but falls short of the investment needed to significantly lift housing supply and address skills shortages in the construction sector,” said Luis Espinoza, HIA Executive Director, Northern Territory.

“The extension of the HomeGrown Territory Grant and FreshStart New Home Grant through to September 2027 is a central feature of this Budget.

“HIA has been advocating strongly for the extension of these critical programs, which support home building activity, sustain jobs and are critical in rebuilding the Territory economy.

“The continuation of the $50,000 and $30,000 grants provides important certainty for households considering building a new home and boosting the NT population.

“The grants will continue to support demand for housing, particularly as affordability pressures and construction costs remain high.

“The Budget additionally includes $17 million to refurbish and return around 70 vacant public housing dwellings to service, which was something HIA called for ahead of the last NT Election, so it pleasing to see this focus in the Budget today.

“The Budget also highlights intentions to increase land release for residential development. Land supply is the foundation of housing delivery.

“Without timely release of serviced land and efficient planning approvals, we won’t see a sustained lift in home building.

“While the Budget includes funding for road repairs and infrastructure upgrades following the wet season, broader enabling infrastructure remains critical to unlocking new housing developments.

“The lack of new investment to address the Territories skills shortages remain one of the biggest constraints on housing delivery in the Territory.

“Demand side incentives and land release only work if there is a skilled workforce available to deliver homes.

“Builders continue to report shortages of key trades, including carpenters, plumbers, electricians and supervisors, contributing to project delays and higher construction costs.

“The Budget does not include a clear strategy to grow the residential construction workforce at the scale required. Greater investment in apprenticeships, training pathways and skilled migration tailored to the Territory is needed.”

“While the Budget contains positive measures, direct investment in new housing supply, enabling infrastructure and workforce development remains modest. 

“To improve housing outcomes, we need a stronger pipeline of land, sustained infrastructure investment and a clear commitment to building the skilled workforce needed to deliver more homes across the Northern Territory,” concluded Mr Espinoza.

For more information please contact:

Luis Espinoza

Executive Director – Northern Territory
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