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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 Marina Industries Association (MIA) has unveiled the comprehensive program for Marinas26, its premier biennial conference and trade exhibition, scheduled for 24-27 May 2026 at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on Queensland’s Gold Coast. This year’s theme, 'Future Smart,' aims to delve into the transformative trends and technologies poised to redefine the marina and boatyard sectors across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. - read more
The Australian marine industry has reached a remarkable economic milestone, with its output soaring to $229 billion in 2023. This 19% increase from previous years underscores the sector's robust growth and its pivotal role in the national economy. - read more
The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) is calling on all levels of Australian government to provide strategic support to the nation's marine manufacturing and recreational boating sector. This appeal comes in response to a significant skills shortage that threatens the industry's substantial economic contributions. - read more
Austal Limited, a prominent Australian shipbuilder, has secured a substantial $100 million loan from Export Finance Australia (EFA) to bolster its shipbuilding operations in Mobile, Alabama. This strategic investment aims to enhance the construction of vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, reinforcing Austal's position in the global maritime industry. - read more
In a significant 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 Australian marine insurance landscape has welcomed a new entrant with the launch of Marinex Underwriting. This agency, backed by global specialty insurance distributor Amwins, is the third venture incubated by the Rhodian Group, a company dedicated to developing specialized underwriting agencies in Australia. - read more
Refinancing a boat loan can be a strategic financial move, enabling boat owners to reap the benefits of lower interest rates, reduced monthly payments, or shorter loan terms. The concept of refinancing involves replacing your existing loan with a new one, often with more favorable conditions that better suit your current financial situation. - read more
When it comes to purchasing a boat, meticulous financial planning is essential. A boat is a significant financial commitment, often rivalling that of a home mortgage. Just as you wouldn't jump into buying a house without careful preparation, the same caution should be applied to a boat purchase. - read more
For many Australians, owning a boat is a dream come true. However, if you have a low credit score, obtaining financing for your dream boat can be a daunting task. A low credit score can make it challenging to secure traditional boat loans from banks or lenders. - read more
If you're dreaming of cruising the Australian waters on your own boat, you're not alone. Owning a boat is a cherished goal for many Aussies, whether it's for fishing trips, sailing adventures, or simply enjoying the coastal lifestyle. Financing this dream often involves securing a boat loan, which requires some preparation, particularly regarding your credit score. - read more
In today's competitive financial landscape, securing a boat loan quickly can make a world of difference. By preparing your application in advance, you expedite the approval process and increase your chances of success. - read more
Are you dreaming of setting sail on your very own boat? While the freedom and adventure of boating are incredibly enticing, it's essential to ensure you're financially prepared before taking out a boat loan. - read more
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Certificate of Deposit (CD): A savings certificate with a fixed maturity date and specified interest rate, typically higher than a standard savings account.
