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.
Australian credit card debt is again moving in the wrong direction, with Canstar’s latest analysis of Reserve Bank of Australia figures showing personal credit card debt accruing interest reached $19.4 billion in May 2026. The increase was $61 million for the month, and while that may look modest beside the national total, it signals a deeper issue for households already stretched by rent, mortgage repayments, groceries, utilities and other everyday costs. - read more
A new Finder survey published on 29 June 2026 has put a spotlight on how stretched many Australian households have become. Finder reported that 38% of Australians, or more than 8.1 million people, expect a tax refund this year. Of those expecting money back, 18% said the refund is critical to their financial wellbeing, equating to about 1.5 million taxpayers. - read more
ASIC’s 24 June 2026 car finance review is a timely warning for Australians who rely on a vehicle for work, family care and essential travel. The regulator examined data from more than 350,000 loans across eight car finance providers and found concerns around third-party distribution, sales practices, fees, hardship support and outcomes after repossession. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia has issued a fresh warning that Australia’s financial system needs to be ready for a more unstable and disruption-prone future. In a 17 June 2026 speech, Assistant Governor Brad Jones pointed to rising geopolitical tension, cyber threats, foreign interference, sanctions risk and pressure on critical payments infrastructure as issues financial institutions can no longer treat as remote concerns. - read more
In the first quarter of 2026, Australians have borrowed a record $5.1 billion in personal loans, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This significant increase is largely attributed to escalating living costs, prompting many to seek additional financial support. - read more
When it comes to managing your finances, planning for the unexpected is a crucial part of staying on top of your budget. An emergency fund serves as your financial safety net, poised to offer support when unforeseen expenses arise. These funds are specifically set aside to cover unexpected costs, like medical emergencies, car repairs, or urgent home maintenance issues. - read more
Managing debt is a crucial aspect of maintaining financial well-being, yet it can often feel like a daunting task. Understanding how debt works and its potential impact on your life is the first step toward gaining control of your finances. In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of debt and outline why a solid financial strategy is essential for effective debt management. - read more
In a world marked by economic uncertainties and the ever-mounting cost of living, the importance of a sound family budget cannot be overstated. Today's economic climate necessitates not just prudent but strategic financial planning. With the right budget in place, families can navigate the choppy waters of their finances, avoiding the all-too-common pitfalls of overspending and under-saving. - read more
In the realm of financial wellness, tracking your monthly expenses is a crucial step towards effective debt management. Many Australians grapple with the challenges of keeping their debts under control, particularly in a dynamic economic environment. - read more
High-interest debt can feel like a relentless cycle for many in Australia, often making it challenging to gain financial ground. Whether it's credit card debt, personal loans, or other forms of borrowing, the compounded interest can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, debt negotiation presents a viable solution for those caught in this dilemma, offering a ray of hope to reduce financial burden. - read more
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.