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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
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NSW takes first step toward unwinding housing's worst own goal
“The NSW Government has taken an important step toward improving housing supply. Other states should now follow its lead and remove foreign investor taxes that discourage the construction of new homes,” said HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon.
Infrastructure and housing key to unlocking Hunter and Central Coast growth
Housing Industry Association (HIA) Industry Outlook Breakfast in Newcastle and Gosford have highlighted the critical role of infrastructure, planning reform and industry support in addressing housing supply challenges across the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
Regional housing must be a priority in the 2026 Victorian election
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is calling on all political parties contesting the November State election to make regional housing a priority, placing regional communities and their growing populations front and centre of their pre-election policy commitments.
The NSW Budget builds on existing housing supply reforms
“HIA welcomes the initiatives to support new housing announced by the Treasurer as part of today’s NSW State Budget,” said Brad Armitage HIA NSW Executive Director.