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Australia is grappling with an increasingly severe housing crisis as rising interest rates and skyrocketing construction costs stifle the supply of new homes.
Experts fear that the national goal of constructing 1.2 million new homes over the next five years will remain out of reach.
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.
The Australian government's plan to establish a strategic fleet of Australian-flagged ships has encountered delays, raising concerns about the nation's maritime resilience and security. The initiative, designed to bolster Australia's shipping capabilities and provide vessels for crises, emergencies, or defence support, has missed its initial deadlines, prompting industry experts to highlight growing vulnerabilities in trade and national security. - read more
Club Marine, Australia's leading boat insurance provider, has unveiled a new insurance policy tailored specifically for race boats during storage and transit. This initiative aims to support participants in the Australian Offshore Superboat Championship by offering coverage for accidental loss, damage, theft, or malicious damage while the boats are on land and on their trailers. - read more
In a significant move towards sustainable boating, Seavolt, an Australian marine charging firm, has partnered with d'Albora Marinas to launch the country's first DC fast-charging network for electric boats. This collaboration addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly marine solutions and positions Australia at the forefront of the global electric boating movement. - read more
In a landmark move for Australia's outdoor recreation sector, the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) have formalized an agreement to collaborate more closely. This partnership is designed to benefit their combined membership base and bolster support for boat-based fishing across the nation. - read more
The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has unveiled the comprehensive program for Marinas26, its biennial conference and trade exhibition, scheduled for 24-27 May 2026 at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Embracing the 'Future Smart' theme, the event aims to delve into emerging trends and technologies poised to reshape the marina and boatyard sector across the Asia-Pacific region. - read more
In a significant move, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.85%, marking the first rate hike in over two years. This decision has prompted major banks, including the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Westpac, National Australia Bank (NAB), and ANZ, to adjust their loan interest rates accordingly. - read more
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Welcome! If you own a boat and are currently financing it, refinancing your boat loan might be a smart move to consider. But what exactly does refinancing mean? - read more
Understanding the excitement of being a first-time boat buyer is essential. There’s something truly exhilarating about the idea of cruising on open waters, enjoying sunsets, and creating lasting memories with friends and family. However, alongside this excitement comes the reality of making a significant investment. - read more
When you're embarking on the adventure of buying your first boat, understanding interest rates becomes crucial. But what are interest rates exactly? In the context of loans, they represent the cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage of the loan amount. Essentially, it’s the price you pay for the financing that makes your dream of boat ownership a reality. - read more
A boat loan can be defined as a type of financing tailored specifically to help buyers acquire a boat. It serves a crucial role in making the dream of boat ownership more attainable, as it enables you to spread the payment over a period of time rather than shelling out a substantial sum upfront. - read more
Ahoy, future mariners! The allure of the open seas and the joy of sailing on your very own vessel is a dream that many Australians hold close to their hearts. Whether you envision leisurely cruises along the coast or adventurous voyages into the deep blue, the prospect of buying a boat ignites a sense of excitement and freedom that's hard to match. - read more
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Knowledgebase
Underwater Mortgage: A mortgage in which the balance owed on the loan is greater than the value of the property securing the loan.
