Anyloan Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Housing Crisis in Australia: Deeper Trouble Ahead

Housing Crisis in Australia: Deeper Trouble Ahead

Housing Crisis in Australia: Deeper Trouble Ahead?w=400

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.

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.

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

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Reserve Bank of Australia Lifts Cash Rate to 3.85% to Combat Inflation
Reserve Bank of Australia Lifts Cash Rate to 3.85% to Combat Inflation
18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced an increase in the cash rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 3.85%. This decision, made during the February 2026 meeting, aims to address the persistent inflationary pressures affecting the Australian economy. - read more
NAB Anticipates Dual RBA Rate Increases in 2026 to Address Inflation
NAB Anticipates Dual RBA Rate Increases in 2026 to Address Inflation
18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
National Australia Bank (NAB) has revised its economic outlook, now forecasting two interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in 2026. This adjustment reflects concerns over persistent inflationary pressures within the Australian economy. - read more
Citi Projects Consecutive RBA Rate Increases in Early 2026
Citi Projects Consecutive RBA Rate Increases in Early 2026
18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Global financial services firm Citi has updated its economic forecast, now anticipating two interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in the first half of 2026. This revision is prompted by recent economic indicators showing stronger-than-expected inflation and consumer spending. - read more
Australian Mortgage Market Reaches Record $2.41 Trillion
Australian Mortgage Market Reaches Record $2.41 Trillion
10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In November 2025, Australia's mortgage market achieved a new milestone, with the total value of residential mortgages reaching $2.41 trillion. This record-breaking figure reflects a 0.67% increase from the previous month and a 6.36% rise over the past year, as reported by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). - read more
Australian Homeowners Embrace Refinancing Amid Rate Cuts
Australian Homeowners Embrace Refinancing Amid Rate Cuts
10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian mortgage market has witnessed a significant surge in refinancing activity, with nearly 100,000 loans refinanced in the June 2025 quarter. This marks the highest level since September 2023 and reflects homeowners' proactive responses to recent interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). - read more


Finance Articles

Deciphering Loan Terms: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Borrowers
Deciphering Loan Terms: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Borrowers
For many Australians, taking out a loan is a key step towards achieving personal and financial milestones, whether it's purchasing a home, investing in education, or starting a business. However, the excitement of these life events can be overshadowed by the complexity of loan agreements. Understanding the terms of a loan is not just about ticking off legal requirements—it's about ensuring financial stability and making informed decisions that align with one's financial goals. - read more
Australian Loan Application Checklist: What You Need to Know
Australian Loan Application Checklist: What You Need to Know
When applying for a loan in Australia, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the loan application process. Whether you are applying for a home loan, personal loan, or business loan, knowing the necessary steps and having all the required documents ready can save you time and frustration. - read more
Breaking Bad Budgets: Positive Money Moves to Make Today
Breaking Bad Budgets: Positive Money Moves to Make Today
Financial wellbeing is often a balancing act that many Australians find challenging. In an age where the cost of living seems to climb incessantly, managing money effectively has never been more critical. Yet, despite the importance of financial literacy, many individuals struggle to break free from the cycle of poor budgeting and erratic spending habits. - read more
The Power of a Good Credit Score: Tips to Maintain and Protect Yours
The Power of a Good Credit Score: Tips to Maintain and Protect Yours
Credit scores play a crucial role in the financial journey of any individual, especially in Australia where they serve as a snapshot of your financial reliability. This numerical expression based on a level analysis of a person's credit files has a far-reaching impact on various aspects of financial borrowings. - read more
Loan Management Tips for Australian Freelancers and Self-Employed
Loan Management Tips for Australian Freelancers and Self-Employed
Freelancers and self-employed individuals in Australia often navigate a unique set of financial challenges. The unpredictable nature of income can make budgeting and long-term financial planning more difficult compared to those with a steady paycheck. As work comes and goes in fluctuating cycles, financial stability can sometimes feel elusive. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Revolving Credit:
A type of credit that does not have a fixed number of payments, in contrast to installment credit.


Quick Links: | Personal And Business Loans Australia | Business Loan Options | Personal Loans Australia | Leasing Finance Solutions | Finance Brokers Australia | Unsecured Business Loans | Vehicle And Equipment Finance | Compare Finance Quotes | Quick Loan Approval | Low Interest Loans | Flexible Loan Terms