Latest news with #HousingIndustryAssociation
Perth Now
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Perth Now
House That! Award winning house in Perth Hills sells with a price tag of $1.2 million
The Mount Richon home won the Housing Industry Association's Dream Home award in 2004. The Mount Richon home won the Housing Industry Association's Dream Home award in 2004. Credit: supplied There couldn't have been a more apt house for sale in the Perth Hills. Set on a hill, this property sits on wooden stilts rising from the slopes of the Darling Range up to the balcony. The incredible Mount Richon home has had a legion of fans since it won the Housing Industry Association's Dream Home award in 2004. But the new owners got it recently for a steal, at only $1.22 million. Camera Icon The views from the mount Richon home. Credit: supplied Sitting on more than a hectare of land next to Bungendore National Park, the three-level house offers uninterrupted views over the hills, and out to the city skyline and the ocean. Camera Icon Inside the award-winning Mount Richon home. Credit: supplied The main level has an open-plan area consisting of the kitchen, dining and informal family living areas, complete with a slow combustion fireplace. The second level also includes a formal lounge room and a bedroom, both with direct access to the deck through French doors. Camera Icon Inside the award-winning Mount Richon Home. Credit: supplied A top floor loft can be used as a fourth bedroom or a home office, a gym, a yoga studio or a games room. The lower level includes a master bedroom and ensuite with spa bath as well as a second bedroom and bathroom. Camera Icon The house was sold via real estate agent Fraser Williams. Credit: supplied But the most remarkable part of the home is not what is in it, but outside it — the view that leaves you feeling on top of the world. Camera Icon House on stilts in Perth hills Credit: supplied It makes the most of the vista with a wrap-around balcony extending 17m on one side and about 7.5m on two other sides. It was sold via real estate agent Fraser Williams.
Sky News AU
05-07-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
‘Pick up the pace': National Housing Accord ‘fell short' last year as demand increased
Housing Industry Association Managing Director Jocelyn Martin says the National Housing Accord to deliver 1.2 million homes over five years 'fell short' last year, and needs to 'pick up the pace' to satisfy Australia's housing demand. 'It's 12 months on since the announcement of 1.2 million homes over five years, which on average is 240 thousand homes a year,' Ms Martin told Sky News Australia. 'Last year we fell well short of that – we were just shy of 170 thousand homes, so definitely going to need to pick up the pace if we're going to even come close to building the amount of homes that Australia needs to satisfy the demand.'
Sky News AU
01-07-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Labor to fall 200,000 homes short of Housing Accord target unless more done to ‘clear the obstacles' construction
Australia is on track to fall more than 200,000 homes short of the National Housing Accord target unless more is done to 'clear the obstacles' that prevent homes being built, a leading industry body has warned. The Albanese government promised to deliver 1.2 million over the five years starting from mid-2024, a goal that all state governments have signed up to. However Australia's largest housing industry association has calculated housing construction is still well below what it needs to be in order to hit the target. 'We welcome the intent and cooperation the Accord represents, but it must be said that meaningful progress on the ground is yet to materialise,' Housing Industry Association Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said on Tuesday. The HIA managing director said Australia was already one year into the five-year plan and progress was still too slow to achieve the target. 'There were only 168,050 dwelling commencements nationally in the 2024 calendar year. If we continue at this pace, Australia will fall well short of the 1.2 million homes target,' she said. 'HIA's forecast of dwelling commencements, or gross new housing supply, shows only around 986,000 homes will be delivered to market over the five years to 2028/29.' The housing industry body said that while 'the right conversations' were taking place and there had been funding announcements made, builders were still facing the same barriers that had been holding housing construction back for years. 'Land supply remains constrained, planning systems are slow and complex, and the cost of delivering a new home continues to rise because of charges, taxes and red tape. Interest rates, skill shortages and material costs only add to these pressures,' Ms Martin said. Since taking over the Housing portfolio, Labor's Clare O'Neil has called out the barriers created by "40 years of unceasing new regulation" across all three levels of government. "It's just too hard to build a house in this country," Ms O'Neil told the ABC last month. 'Builders face a ridiculous thicket of red tape that is preventing them building the homes we need. And if we're going to tackle the fundamental problem — that Australia needs to build more homes, more quickly — we need to make a change." The HIA managing director welcomed the renewed focus on 'productivity in residential construction' but stressed that more needed to be done. 'It appears to be finally registering with the government that we need to address red tape brought about by archaic approaches to planning and building codes, we need ways to improve workforce participation and to encourage innovation and we need to address the barriers to foreign investment which are holding back apartment supply,' Ms Martin said. 'However, governments at all levels need to move beyond commitments and deliver the reforms that will actually get more homes built. 'Australians now need governments to clear the obstacles that prevent homes being built.'
West Australian
20-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Aussies exit NSW, WA hits 3 million population milestone
More people are fleeing NSW than any other state in Australia. Population data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics this week shows 28,118 people left NSW in 2024. Western Australia tipped over three million people for the first time as the resource-rich state recorded the highest nationwide growth rate. At the end of 2024, 27.4 million people called Australia home, an increase of 445,900 on the previous year and representative of a 1.7 per cent increase. Commonwealth Bank economist Lucinda Jerogin said population growth had slowed quicker than anticipated on the back of the post-pandemic peak. 'A slowdown in natural increase continues to place a drag on Australia's population growth,' she said 'Cost-of-living pressures, rising female workforce participation and broader uncertainty are likely driving this downward trend. 'Growth in deaths are outpacing births leading to the decline in natural increase.' The data shows NSW lost more than 28,000 people to net interstate migration, with 112,763 people leaving for elsewhere in the country. Queensland picked up more than 106,000 people from other states for a result of nearly 26,000 fresh faces. Nearly 40,000 Aussies moved to WA for a net increase of about 12,500 people. While Queensland and Victoria's total populations grew by 1.9 per cent, WA's grew 2.4 per cent. The population of every state and territory grew by at least 1.1 per cent, except Tasmania, which recorded a 0.3 per cent increase. 'Within Australia, people are continuing to leave NSW, and to a lesser extent Victoria and the smallest jurisdictions, and head into Queensland and WA,' Housing Industry Association economist Tom Devitt said. 'But even the jurisdictions losing residents interstate are absorbing enough overseas arrivals to see their populations expand.' State governments needed to do more to stimulate housing construction, he said. 'Foreign capital is highly liquid. State governments have forced institutional investors into building apartments in other countries,' Mr Devitt said. 'As a consequence, multi-unit construction volumes in Australia have halved, likely costing state governments tax revenue.'
The Advertiser
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Aussies turn to alternative models for modern and affordable housing
Australians are increasingly looking beyond the traditional detached home to meet their housing needs, as affordability pressures, changing lifestyles and sustainability goals drive innovation in the housing sector. Simon Croft, Chief Executive - Industry & Policy at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), said the shift toward alternative housing models reflects a broader rethink about how Australians live. "We're seeing stronger interest in a much wider range of housing options," Croft said. "Kit homes, tiny homes, granny flats, container builds, earthships and fully off-grid homes are all part of a growing landscape that offers flexibility, affordability and choice." The range of alternative housing options in Australia showcases the diverse possibilities of modern home ownership and hints at what the future may look like. Customisable and cost-effective, kit homes are delivered as pre-cut materials, allowing buyers to assemble with minimal construction costs. They also lend themselves well to off-grid living as many can be outfitted with solar panels and rainwater tanks for eco-conscious buyers. "Kit homes are often more affordable to purchase and quicker to build, offering a solution for regional or remote areas where labour shortages or transport costs make conventional builds challenging," Croft said. Often built on trailer platforms, these compact yet efficient dwellings offer mobility and freedom. Despite their small size, they are cleverly designed to maximise storage and functionality and are especially attractive to younger buyers and retirees seeking an affordable, low-maintenance lifestyle. "Tiny homes have captured attention for their low cost of ownership, smaller environmental footprint and suitability for those seeking to simplify or downsize," Croft said. "However, in many areas, planning schemes have not yet caught up to accommodate tiny homes as a mainstream option and they face regulatory challenges." Prefabricated models and innovative designs make these secondary dwellings cost-effective and quick to install. Being self-contained they can serve as guest accommodations, rental investments or independent living spaces for family members. "Granny flats - or secondary dwellings - are increasingly popular as state governments ease restrictions and provide fast-track approvals," Croft said. "They offer multi-generational living options, support ageing-in-place and can generate rental income. They also help maximise land use in areas where new greenfield sites are limited." Repurposing shipping containers into homes is not only sustainable but also offers a modern, industrial aesthetic. Buyers can combine multiple containers to create unique layouts or opt for a single unit for a compact, budget-friendly home. Insulated and weatherproofed, these homes are well-suited to Australia's diverse climate. "Recycled shipping containers offer a flexible, fast construction method with sustainability appeal," Croft said. "But they do require careful design to ensure comfort, insulation and long-term durability, as well as understanding the regulatory requirements controlling their use." Built with natural or recycled materials, these homes often incorporate features like thermal mass construction, solar energy and water harvesting systems. "These homes sit at the leading edge of environmentally sustainable living, aiming for complete water, waste and energy self-sufficiency," Croft said. "They appeal to those wanting to dramatically reduce their footprint, but come with higher upfront costs, site limitations and ongoing maintenance needs." --- While alternative housing solutions are gaining momentum, Croft believes they won't replace traditional homes but rather complement them. "Australia faces the enormous task of delivering 1.2 million new homes over the next five years," he said. "A more diverse housing mix will help meet that target, but it's critical governments work to remove regulatory red tape and provide clear, nationally consistent planning frameworks." Australians are increasingly looking beyond the traditional detached home to meet their housing needs, as affordability pressures, changing lifestyles and sustainability goals drive innovation in the housing sector. Simon Croft, Chief Executive - Industry & Policy at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), said the shift toward alternative housing models reflects a broader rethink about how Australians live. "We're seeing stronger interest in a much wider range of housing options," Croft said. "Kit homes, tiny homes, granny flats, container builds, earthships and fully off-grid homes are all part of a growing landscape that offers flexibility, affordability and choice." The range of alternative housing options in Australia showcases the diverse possibilities of modern home ownership and hints at what the future may look like. Customisable and cost-effective, kit homes are delivered as pre-cut materials, allowing buyers to assemble with minimal construction costs. They also lend themselves well to off-grid living as many can be outfitted with solar panels and rainwater tanks for eco-conscious buyers. "Kit homes are often more affordable to purchase and quicker to build, offering a solution for regional or remote areas where labour shortages or transport costs make conventional builds challenging," Croft said. Often built on trailer platforms, these compact yet efficient dwellings offer mobility and freedom. Despite their small size, they are cleverly designed to maximise storage and functionality and are especially attractive to younger buyers and retirees seeking an affordable, low-maintenance lifestyle. "Tiny homes have captured attention for their low cost of ownership, smaller environmental footprint and suitability for those seeking to simplify or downsize," Croft said. "However, in many areas, planning schemes have not yet caught up to accommodate tiny homes as a mainstream option and they face regulatory challenges." Prefabricated models and innovative designs make these secondary dwellings cost-effective and quick to install. Being self-contained they can serve as guest accommodations, rental investments or independent living spaces for family members. "Granny flats - or secondary dwellings - are increasingly popular as state governments ease restrictions and provide fast-track approvals," Croft said. "They offer multi-generational living options, support ageing-in-place and can generate rental income. They also help maximise land use in areas where new greenfield sites are limited." Repurposing shipping containers into homes is not only sustainable but also offers a modern, industrial aesthetic. Buyers can combine multiple containers to create unique layouts or opt for a single unit for a compact, budget-friendly home. Insulated and weatherproofed, these homes are well-suited to Australia's diverse climate. "Recycled shipping containers offer a flexible, fast construction method with sustainability appeal," Croft said. "But they do require careful design to ensure comfort, insulation and long-term durability, as well as understanding the regulatory requirements controlling their use." Built with natural or recycled materials, these homes often incorporate features like thermal mass construction, solar energy and water harvesting systems. "These homes sit at the leading edge of environmentally sustainable living, aiming for complete water, waste and energy self-sufficiency," Croft said. "They appeal to those wanting to dramatically reduce their footprint, but come with higher upfront costs, site limitations and ongoing maintenance needs." --- While alternative housing solutions are gaining momentum, Croft believes they won't replace traditional homes but rather complement them. "Australia faces the enormous task of delivering 1.2 million new homes over the next five years," he said. "A more diverse housing mix will help meet that target, but it's critical governments work to remove regulatory red tape and provide clear, nationally consistent planning frameworks." Australians are increasingly looking beyond the traditional detached home to meet their housing needs, as affordability pressures, changing lifestyles and sustainability goals drive innovation in the housing sector. Simon Croft, Chief Executive - Industry & Policy at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), said the shift toward alternative housing models reflects a broader rethink about how Australians live. "We're seeing stronger interest in a much wider range of housing options," Croft said. "Kit homes, tiny homes, granny flats, container builds, earthships and fully off-grid homes are all part of a growing landscape that offers flexibility, affordability and choice." The range of alternative housing options in Australia showcases the diverse possibilities of modern home ownership and hints at what the future may look like. Customisable and cost-effective, kit homes are delivered as pre-cut materials, allowing buyers to assemble with minimal construction costs. They also lend themselves well to off-grid living as many can be outfitted with solar panels and rainwater tanks for eco-conscious buyers. "Kit homes are often more affordable to purchase and quicker to build, offering a solution for regional or remote areas where labour shortages or transport costs make conventional builds challenging," Croft said. Often built on trailer platforms, these compact yet efficient dwellings offer mobility and freedom. Despite their small size, they are cleverly designed to maximise storage and functionality and are especially attractive to younger buyers and retirees seeking an affordable, low-maintenance lifestyle. "Tiny homes have captured attention for their low cost of ownership, smaller environmental footprint and suitability for those seeking to simplify or downsize," Croft said. "However, in many areas, planning schemes have not yet caught up to accommodate tiny homes as a mainstream option and they face regulatory challenges." Prefabricated models and innovative designs make these secondary dwellings cost-effective and quick to install. Being self-contained they can serve as guest accommodations, rental investments or independent living spaces for family members. "Granny flats - or secondary dwellings - are increasingly popular as state governments ease restrictions and provide fast-track approvals," Croft said. "They offer multi-generational living options, support ageing-in-place and can generate rental income. They also help maximise land use in areas where new greenfield sites are limited." Repurposing shipping containers into homes is not only sustainable but also offers a modern, industrial aesthetic. Buyers can combine multiple containers to create unique layouts or opt for a single unit for a compact, budget-friendly home. Insulated and weatherproofed, these homes are well-suited to Australia's diverse climate. "Recycled shipping containers offer a flexible, fast construction method with sustainability appeal," Croft said. "But they do require careful design to ensure comfort, insulation and long-term durability, as well as understanding the regulatory requirements controlling their use." Built with natural or recycled materials, these homes often incorporate features like thermal mass construction, solar energy and water harvesting systems. "These homes sit at the leading edge of environmentally sustainable living, aiming for complete water, waste and energy self-sufficiency," Croft said. "They appeal to those wanting to dramatically reduce their footprint, but come with higher upfront costs, site limitations and ongoing maintenance needs." --- While alternative housing solutions are gaining momentum, Croft believes they won't replace traditional homes but rather complement them. "Australia faces the enormous task of delivering 1.2 million new homes over the next five years," he said. "A more diverse housing mix will help meet that target, but it's critical governments work to remove regulatory red tape and provide clear, nationally consistent planning frameworks." Australians are increasingly looking beyond the traditional detached home to meet their housing needs, as affordability pressures, changing lifestyles and sustainability goals drive innovation in the housing sector. Simon Croft, Chief Executive - Industry & Policy at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), said the shift toward alternative housing models reflects a broader rethink about how Australians live. "We're seeing stronger interest in a much wider range of housing options," Croft said. "Kit homes, tiny homes, granny flats, container builds, earthships and fully off-grid homes are all part of a growing landscape that offers flexibility, affordability and choice." The range of alternative housing options in Australia showcases the diverse possibilities of modern home ownership and hints at what the future may look like. Customisable and cost-effective, kit homes are delivered as pre-cut materials, allowing buyers to assemble with minimal construction costs. They also lend themselves well to off-grid living as many can be outfitted with solar panels and rainwater tanks for eco-conscious buyers. "Kit homes are often more affordable to purchase and quicker to build, offering a solution for regional or remote areas where labour shortages or transport costs make conventional builds challenging," Croft said. Often built on trailer platforms, these compact yet efficient dwellings offer mobility and freedom. Despite their small size, they are cleverly designed to maximise storage and functionality and are especially attractive to younger buyers and retirees seeking an affordable, low-maintenance lifestyle. "Tiny homes have captured attention for their low cost of ownership, smaller environmental footprint and suitability for those seeking to simplify or downsize," Croft said. "However, in many areas, planning schemes have not yet caught up to accommodate tiny homes as a mainstream option and they face regulatory challenges." Prefabricated models and innovative designs make these secondary dwellings cost-effective and quick to install. Being self-contained they can serve as guest accommodations, rental investments or independent living spaces for family members. "Granny flats - or secondary dwellings - are increasingly popular as state governments ease restrictions and provide fast-track approvals," Croft said. "They offer multi-generational living options, support ageing-in-place and can generate rental income. They also help maximise land use in areas where new greenfield sites are limited." Repurposing shipping containers into homes is not only sustainable but also offers a modern, industrial aesthetic. Buyers can combine multiple containers to create unique layouts or opt for a single unit for a compact, budget-friendly home. Insulated and weatherproofed, these homes are well-suited to Australia's diverse climate. "Recycled shipping containers offer a flexible, fast construction method with sustainability appeal," Croft said. "But they do require careful design to ensure comfort, insulation and long-term durability, as well as understanding the regulatory requirements controlling their use." Built with natural or recycled materials, these homes often incorporate features like thermal mass construction, solar energy and water harvesting systems. "These homes sit at the leading edge of environmentally sustainable living, aiming for complete water, waste and energy self-sufficiency," Croft said. "They appeal to those wanting to dramatically reduce their footprint, but come with higher upfront costs, site limitations and ongoing maintenance needs." --- While alternative housing solutions are gaining momentum, Croft believes they won't replace traditional homes but rather complement them. "Australia faces the enormous task of delivering 1.2 million new homes over the next five years," he said. "A more diverse housing mix will help meet that target, but it's critical governments work to remove regulatory red tape and provide clear, nationally consistent planning frameworks."
