80% of builders expect home building to slow after Budget decisions
New home sales fell 4.6% in June, marking a second consecutive monthly decline. Builders are pessimistic about the outlook following recent Budget decisions, with 80% expecting home building activity to slow.
New home sales dropped 4.6% in June, the second consecutive monthly decline, signalling a cooling pipeline for construction trades.
Will the Budget slow down new home building and affect my trade workload?
Builders and related trades face fewer new home contracts ahead. Slower housing starts will directly reduce work for plumbers, electricians, and carpenters reliant on new builds.
Key takeaways
- 80% of builders expect home building activity to slow following recent federal Budget decisions.
- New home sales fell 4.6% in June, the second month in a row of declining sales.
- Higher interest rates and policy uncertainty are dampening consumer confidence in new builds.
- Trades dependent on new housing starts — plumbers, electricians, carpenters — may see fewer jobs ahead.
Related
New independent research supports HIA call for lot size reform
New independent research backs HIA's push for lot size planning reforms, suggesting simple policy changes could meaningfully boost housing supply in Australia.
Why it matters: Builders and developers could see more work opportunities if lot size reforms increase housing supply. Changes to planning rules directly affect project viability and land use for residential builders.
HIA calls for urgent reform of Tasmania's Protection Work framework
HIA is urging the Tasmanian Government to overhaul its Protection Work framework, saying the current rules cause project delays, raise costs, and put builders at unfair risk.
Why it matters: Builders in Tasmania face direct impact through project slowdowns and increased financial exposure under the current framework.
Audit recommendations to strengthen transparency and accountability of HAFF
The HIA has welcomed an ANAO audit of the Housing Australia Future Fund, with Treasury accepting all five recommendations aimed at improving transparency and accountability of the fund.
Why it matters: Builders and developers may see clearer processes and stronger oversight in how HAFF funding is allocated for new housing projects.