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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Gentle density: a new tool to easing Australia's housing crisis

Media release

Gentle density: a new tool to easing Australia's housing crisis

Media release
“Australia’s housing crisis is at a tipping point, and one of the answers lies in embracing gentle density unlock the missing middle housing solutions,” said HIA Executive Director, Planning, Mike Hermon.

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is calling for smarter urban planning that allows for more townhouses, micro-lot houses, and triplexes in established suburbs, with minimal  disruption to the character of those suburbs. 

“Gentle density is about building more homes in existing suburbs – close to education facilities , jobs, and transport – while maintaining the charm of our communities.

“With Australia facing a severe shortage in housing availability and affordability, ‘gentle density’ provides a balanced approach by optimising land use and introducing diverse housing options.

“Current zoning laws are outdated and restrictive, often leaving Australians with limited choices between sprawling houses or towering apartment blocks. Gentle density bridges this gap by supporting middle-ground housing options like townhouses and small-scale apartments.

“Planning must be able to deliver on the big picture and use the right tools in the right locations, this means balancing housing needs both in the inner suburbs and greenfield.

“HIA has released a report into gentle density and is urging state and local governments to adopt forward-thinking policies that encourage this type of development.

“Australia needs to build 1.2 million homes over the next five years to meet growing demand. Unblocking housing in our existing suburbs is a crucial piece of that puzzle.

“By streamlining approval processes and allowing for more flexible zoning, we can unlock the potential of our existing suburbs alongside greenfield housing and create vibrant, liveable communities for generations to come,” concluded Mr Hermon.

For more information please contact:

Mike Hermon

Executive Director - Future Workforce

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
Latest articles
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25 Aug
HIA welcomes new HAFF funding for low-density (class 1) projects

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes Housing Australia’s announcement of a new stream of funding under the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) facility for well-located, low-density dwellings that are shovel ready.

24 Aug
Queensland building leader Jodie McKenna crowned HIA Building Woman of the Year

Queensland’s home building industry gathered in celebration as the 12th annual HIA Queensland Building Women Awards honoured outstanding achievement, leadership and influence, shining a spotlight on the remarkable contribution women are making to building more homes across the state.

24 Aug
Regional housing must be a top priority for Victoria's next Government

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) will bring together industry leaders, businesses, community representatives and policymakers in Ballarat on Tuesday for a regional housing roundtable focused on the critical role housing will play in supporting the future growth and prosperity of regional Victoria.

21 Aug
Preventing Pipe Failure Starts Below Ground

The HIA has been advised that due to an increase of plumbing audit inspection failures, from the 1st of September, the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) will be further policing non-compliance in the installation of sanitary plumbing and drainage pipework, namely the bedding of sanitary drainage pipes.