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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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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.
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.
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.
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.