Housing Crisis in Australia: Deeper Trouble Ahead

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Issues such as high construction costs have accelerated the cost of building in major cities at a rate that outpaces property price growth. It increasingly appears more financially sound to purchase an existing home rather than build a new one.

According to Tim Lawless, CoreLogic's research director, "the cost of construction is yet to decline and it remains approximately 30% more expensive to build or renovate now compared to pre-COVID times," reflecting a prolonged period of inflating expenses.

SQM Research's founder and managing director, Louis Christopher, has expressed concern. He pointed out that "indicators show no signs of an imminent increase in housing supply," and has projected that there will be only "138,000 new dwellings completed by FY25."

PropTrack's executive manager for economic research, Cameron Kusher, noted, "Building approvals have plunged to their lowest in a decade. The pandemic-induced rise in construction costs, labour shortages, and 12-year high interest rates have severely impacted new constructions."

Adding to the discourse, Ben Burston, chief economist at Knight Frank, warned that "restoring high levels of housing construction will be a laborious task" due to the steep increments in both construction and financing costs.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed that only 163,800 homes were approved for construction in the year up to May. This is 32% (or 76,200 homes) short of the Albanese government’s 240,000 annual housing target.

It is crucial to note that the Albanese government’s target of 240,000 homes annually is unprecedented. The closest the nation came to meeting such a goal was in 2017 when 223,600 homes were built, which was still 7% below the target. This was achieved with a cash rate of 1.5%, compared to the current rate of 4.35%.

Back in 2017, builders also faced lower construction costs (some 40% less than today) and did not compete for labour with state government infrastructure projects. In comparison, data from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) show that nearly 3,000 construction firms went bankrupt in the 2023-2024 financial year, reducing the sector’s productive capacity.

Given these macroeconomic conditions, it seems highly improbable for the Albanese government’s housing targets to be met, and dwelling completion rates are likely to remain low in the near term.

Ultimately, a long-term resolution to Australia’s housing shortage may necessitate reducing net overseas migration, hence easing the population demand below the nation’s housing and infrastructure supply capacity.

If these structural issues aren't addressed, Australia's housing crisis is poised to exacerbate.

Published:Tuesday, 16th Jul 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Vessev's Electric Hydrofoiling Vessels Set to Transform Swan River Transport

10 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

New Zealand-based company Vessev is set to revolutionise water transport in Western Australia by introducing a fleet of electric hydrofoiling vessels on Perth's Swan River. In partnership with the ENAUTIC Group, Vessev aims to provide a sustainable and efficient solution to the region's transportation needs. - read more

ACCC Halts BRP's Sale of Telwater to Yamaha

10 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently blocked the proposed sale of Telwater Pty Ltd., one of Australia's largest aluminium boat manufacturers, from BRP Inc. to Yamaha Motor Australia. This decision ensures that Telwater remains under BRP's ownership for the foreseeable future. - read more

ATSB Releases Preliminary Findings on RSV Nuyina Grounding

03 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released a preliminary report detailing the circumstances surrounding the grounding of the Australian Antarctic Division's research vessel, RSV Nuyina, off Heard Island on October 13, 2025. The incident occurred during drone survey operations near uncharted sea floor areas. - read more

WA Government Approves Cockatoo Island Aviation and Marine Hub

03 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Western Australian government has granted final approval for the construction of a $300 million aviation and marine hub on Cockatoo Island, located in the Buccaneer Archipelago, approximately 130 kilometres north of Derby. The project, spearheaded by privately owned company Crestlink, aims to establish a comprehensive logistics hub to service the offshore oil and gas industry. - read more

Ocius to Deliver Fleet of Bluebottle Uncrewed Surface Vessels

03 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Government has committed $176 million to acquire a fleet of Australian-designed and built Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) from Ocius Technology. This investment aims to bolster the Royal Australian Navy's undersea warfare capabilities by providing persistent, long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. - read more

Queensland Trawlers to Implement Mandatory Electronic Monitoring

03 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Queensland Government has announced a mandatory rollout of electronic camera monitoring systems on 90% of trawlers operating within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This initiative aims to monitor and reduce the bycatch of endangered species, ensuring sustainable fishing practices in one of the world's most vital marine ecosystems. - read more

Click for more Finance News