As we come to the end of the year, I want to sincerely thank HIA members, industry partners and supporters across the ACT and Southern NSW for the role you have played throughout 2025. 

It has been a challenging year in many parts of our region, across both the new home building and renovations markets. Despite these conditions, the year has once again highlighted the resilience, professionalism and commitment that define our industry.

Even in a softer market, HIA members have continued to invest in their businesses, support their teams, back industry events and actively engage in the conversations that matter. The feedback, insights and practical experience shared by members have been invaluable in ensuring the industry’s voice remains strong, credible and grounded in real-world conditions. It is this commitment that underpins the strength of our Association.

Looking ahead to 2026, there are early signs that conditions are beginning to improve. Confidence in the housing market is returning, opportunities are emerging, and there is cautious optimism that the year ahead will bring renewed momentum for residential building activity.

In the ACT, progress on the Government’s Missing Middle reforms through the Legislative Assembly means these changes are now expected to come into effect in the latter part of 2026. Once implemented, they should provide meaningful opportunities to diversify housing supply and make better use of existing urban areas.

Encouragingly, there is renewed optimism that reforms to Lease Variation Charges could unlock a greater number of residential development projects by improving commercial viability. In parallel, the newly formed City and Environment Directorate have a clear focus on streamlining development application processes, with the aim of enabling more projects to progress through the complying development pathway and move to site with greater speed and certainty.

There is also cause for optimism that improvements will be made to how the Urban Forest Act operates in practice. This follows sustained industry feedback identifying where refinements are needed to better balance canopy objectives with the delivery of new housing.

At the same time, 2026 will bring risks, particularly as the ACT begins work to establish a system for licensing construction trades workers. While the intent to lift standards and improve confidence in the industry is understood, the design and implementation of any new framework will be critical.

Getting the balance right—without introducing unnecessary cost, complexity or barriers to workforce participation—will be essential, especially while skills shortages remain acute. HIA will continue to work closely with government to ensure any new system is practical, proportionate and supports, rather than constrains, the industry’s capacity to deliver much-needed housing.

On behalf of the HIA team, thank you again for your continued support and trust throughout the year. We wish you, your teams and families a safe, relaxing and well-earned Christmas break, and we look forward to a brighter and busier year in 2026.