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.
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.
Electric and hybrid marine technology is continuing to move from specialist trade discussion into the practical buying conversation for Australian boaters. Recent marine industry coverage has pointed to growing attention on cleaner propulsion, quieter operation and smarter onboard systems, not only in commercial vessels but also across the recreational boating market. For households thinking about their next boat, the key question is less about whether the technology is exciting and more about whether the full ownership equation makes sense. - read more
Australia’s spring boating season is beginning to sharpen buyer attention again, with recent marine industry coverage pointing to renewed activity around dealers, shows and seasonal product launches. For many households, this is the time of year when a long-considered boat purchase starts to feel more immediate: the weather improves, waterways get busier and families begin planning summer weekends. - read more
Melbourne’s boating calendar is giving Victorian buyers another useful reason to move from dreaming to planning, with fresh industry attention on the Melbourne Boat Show and its role as a springboard for the recreational marine market. For buyers, the value of a show is not simply the chance to see polished new releases in one place. - read more
The 2026 Sydney Boat Show has given Australia’s recreational marine market another useful temperature check. After the event’s return to Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park, industry attention has shifted from the display halls to what the buyer activity may mean for boat sales, dealer pipelines and household finance decisions over the months ahead. - read more
Australian borrowers are again watching the interest-rate outlook closely, with the latest business coverage pointing to a familiar mix of inflation, employment and consumer-spending signals shaping expectations for lenders and households. For boat buyers, this is more than an economic headline. It can influence how lenders price risk, how confident households feel about discretionary purchases, and how carefully buyers need to structure marine finance before committing. - read more
Australian borrowers are again watching the interest-rate cycle closely, with recent business coverage pointing to a more cautious but less anxious tone around future monetary policy. For boat buyers, the important message is not that finance will suddenly become cheap, but that the market may be moving into a phase where planning and timing matter even more. - read more
Welcome to our quick guide on securing fast boat loan approval. Whether you're a seasoned boat enthusiast or a first-time buyer looking to explore the waters, this article is designed for you. - read more
The allure of the open waters, the thrill of steering your very own vessel, and the prestige of boat ownership are undeniably intoxicating dreams for many. Whether zipping through waves on a swift personal watercraft or unwinding aboard a serene sailboat, purchasing a marine vessel in Australia holds a certain romantic appeal that's hard to resist. - read more
Having bad credit may make it seem challenging to secure a boat loan, as it can negatively impact your creditworthiness in the eyes of lenders. However, it's not impossible to get approved for a boat loan even with bad credit. - read more
Boat loans are a popular way for Australians to finance their dream vessel, whether it's for leisure or lifestyle. Similar to car loans, they allow you to pay for your boat over time with manageable monthly repayments. Securing a boat loan requires meeting certain criteria set by lenders, which can be influenced by various factors, including your financial history and the deposit size. - read more
Australia is a boater’s dream, offering an extraordinary array of aquatic landscapes that beckon adventurers to set sail and explore. From the gentle lap of waves in sheltered coves to the expanse of the open ocean, the joy of boating down under is unmatched. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or new to the world of nautical navigation, Australia’s waters promise spectacular views and unforgettable experiences. - 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
Start Here
Quotes are offered free & without obligation. We respect your privacy.
Knowledgebase
Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure: A deed instrument in which a borrower conveys all interest in a property to the lender to satisfy a loan that is in default and avoid foreclosure.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.