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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationCapital cities starting to find their missing middle
Capital cities starting to find their missing middle
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“Australia’s housing crisis won’t be solved without increasing medium density dwellings, particularly in our larger cities. ‘Gentle density’ projects such as townhouses, duplexes and terrace homes, can deliver more homes faster and at prices people can afford,” said Sam Heckel, HIA Executive Director Planning.
“HIA has long argued that increasing housing diversity is essential, however, this missing middle has been progressively hollowed out, with detached homes or apartments dominating much of the new housing stock.
“Gentle density bridges the divide between these two housing types blending affordability and lower density.
“The star performers include Western Australia (+63%), South Australia (+36.7%), Queensland (+26.2%) and New South Wales (+18.8%).
“We expect New South Wales to continue to be a standout, with its recently released ‘pattern book’ of pre-approved housing designs streamlining approvals and cutting red tape. By giving builders and landowners pre-endorsed designs, they’re providing the certainty the industry needs to unlock smaller, smarter projects.
“It’s exactly the sort of practical reform other states should adopt if we’re serious about tackling the housing shortage. With rising building and planning costs for apartments and new greenfield development stalled by infrastructure and environmental barriers, gentle density is a vital solution for governments to meet housing targets.
Despite its clear benefits, HIA says planning rules in many regions still make smaller-scale projects unnecessarily difficult. Up to three quarters of residential land is zoned only for single houses, and where gentle-density housing is permitted it often faces the same drawn-out approvals as much more complex and larger projects.
“Councils are regularly adding larger setbacks, deep-planting requirements and parking minimums that, while well-intentioned, render many projects commercially unviable.
“HIA is calling on all jurisdictions to review their planning systems and fast-track measures that support gentle density, ensuring more Australians can access well-located, affordable homes sooner,” concluded Mr Heckel.
Semi-detached approvals, MAT - Comparison
For more information please contact:
Annual Regional Meeting of Members of Victoria Region
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Regional Meeting of Members of the Victoria Region of Housing Industry Association Limited will be held on Monday 16 February 2026 at HIA Cremorne Office – Level 1, 8 Gwynne Street, Cremorne, Victoria, 3121 commencing at 5.00pm.
Buyer Protections Regulations released tick the box consultation
The Victorian government has released today, on the stroke of Christmas for public consultation the draft regulations implementing parts of the Building Legislation Amendment (Buyer Protections) Act.
HIA applauds WA Cook Government’s housing investment in mid-year review
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has congratulated the WA Cook Government on its strong economic management and decisive action to address housing supply challenges through the Mid-Year Budget Review.
Buyer protection reforms – hidden and flawed
“HIA is extremely disappointed with the Victorian government seeking to rush through their flawed buyer protection regulations during summer holidays,” stated HIA Victoria Executive Director, Keith Ryan.