Hunter described a “perfect storm” facing the housing construction sector, one that has set the stage for an extended phase of rising home prices and escalating rental costs. She pointed out that Australia's pace of population growth generally surpasses that of many other advanced economies, thus intensifying the need for housing.
"The growing population strengthens the underlying demand for housing over time. Every individual added to the population needs a residence," Hunter explained.
Currently, housing demand vastly outstrips supply with the estimated necessity ranging between 260,000 to 320,000 homes per year. This figure starkly contrasts with the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council’s (NHSAC) recent report, which projects an underlying demand of about 230,000 homes, later dipping to around 174,000.
The imbalance Hunter referenced has pressured rental markets substantially, leading to lower vacancy rates and inflated rental costs. She added, “[...] the last few years have witnessed unprecedented constraints in construction activities. The shortage of materials, fittings, labor, and shipping disruptions extended build timelines significantly.”
Current dwelling approvals per capita are now at a decade-low due to high costs of building materials and stagnation in new housing projects. Hunter elucidated that many participants either delayed or scrapped their projects over concerns about their projects’ financial returns given existing costs.
Housing construction expenses have sharply increased by nearly 40% since late 2019, driven by pandemic-induced supply chain challenges and fierce competition for construction resources across various sectors.
The rising cost of debt only exacerbates the situation. Greater interest expenses on loans used to finance construction projects slow down the pace at which new houses are completed, prolonging the housing supply shortage.
Consequently, the RBA projects a sustained period of low housing construction, continuing Australia's housing crisis. Hunter indicated that demand pressures will continue to drive rents and home prices upward until there’s a notable surge in new housing supply. However, the outlook appears dim as current new dwelling approvals and viability concerns suggest a slow and delayed response.
One glaring critique is the continued overlooking of an immediate, less costly solution: moderating net overseas migration to levels within the country’s infrastructure and housing capabilities.
The latest projections from the Intergenerational Report paint a daunting picture. By 2062-63, Australia’s population is expected to skyrocket to 40.5 million, a rise of 13.5 million people equating to adding three cities the size of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane in just under four decades.
Without addressing migration rates, Australia's efforts to counter the housing supply shortfall may never catch up with population growth. Resetting migration to historical annual levels of around 120,000 could be a crucial step in rebalancing this dynamic.
Published:Friday, 17th May 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
![]() | NAB Offers a Glimmer of Hope with Fresh Interest Rate Cut 23 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori Australian home seekers facing stiff challenges may find a bit of relief from an unexpected source: NAB, one of the country's financial giants. The bank has recently slashed its three-year fixed home loan interest rate by a notable 0.6%, bringing it down to 5.99%. - read more |
![]() | Australian Markets React to Employment Data: Shares Narrowly Lower 20 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori The Australian sharemarket experienced a modest pullback on Thursday, ending a day of fluctuations just shy of its recent peak. A day following the celebration of a fresh 52-week high, the market's mood shifted. - read more |
![]() | ANZ Prepares to Finalize $4.9B Suncorp Acquisition 18 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori ANZ is poised to officially acquire Suncorp's banking sector on August 1, following recent modifications to Queensland's legislative framework essential for the $4.9 billion transaction. - read more |
![]() | Housing Crisis in Australia: Deeper Trouble Ahead 16 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori 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. - read more |
![]() | Australian Households Face Toughest Economic Times Since '90s 15 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori As Australia's economic climate continues to worsen, households are encountering unprecedented financial challenges, marking the gravest consumer recession since the early 1990s, excluding the impacts of recent pandemic-related downturns. - read more |
![]() | Banks Set for Major Refunds to Assist Struggling Customers 15 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori In a groundbreaking move, four prominent Australian banks are poised to return nearly $30 million to their low-income customers. This significant refund follows an in-depth review by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). - read more |
![]() | Financial Adviser Head Count Sees Marginal Gains 13 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori The landscape of financial advisers in Australia continues to be dynamic with numbers showcasing a slight growth after a period of declines. In the latest analysis by WealthData, Australia faced a modest net increase of 39 financial advisers this week, coming off the Financial Adviser Register (FAR). - read more |
![]() | Aussie Incomes Take a Nosedive Amid Global Struggles 11 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori In an unsettling turn of events, Australian households have experienced one of the most dramatic drop-offs in real per capita household disposable incomes globally. - read more |
![]() | Potential Perils of Stage 3 Tax Cuts Unveiled 11 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori As Australians anticipate padded pocketbooks from Stage 3 tax cuts, emerging concerns involve the risk of increased inflation that could pressure mortgage holders with steeper interest rates, posits an economist. - read more |
![]() | The Smart Borrower's Guide: Understanding Interest Rates on Small Loans When it comes to borrowing money, whether it's for personal use or for your small business, understanding interest rates is paramount. An interest rate, simply put, is the cost you pay to borrow money. It's typically expressed as a percentage of the principal amount you're loaned. This fee is how lenders earn on the funds they lend and is a key component you should consider before signing a loan agreement. - read more
|
![]() | Secured Versus Unsecured: Which Loan Option Aligns with Your Financial Goals? The landscape of personal financing is broad and varied, particularly in the Australian market where individuals have access to an array of loan options. When considering lending, the fundamental distinction to comprehend is that between 'secured' and 'unsecured' loans. - read more
|
![]() | Debt Consolidation Strategies: How to Regain Control of Your Finances Debt can often feel like a formidable obstacle on the path to financial stability. Many individuals battle with various forms of debt, from high-interest credit cards to significant loans that seem to have an unyielding grip on their financial lives. Recognizing the challenges that debt presents is the critical first step towards regaining control of your personal finances. - read more
|
![]() | Bad Credit? Here's How You Can Still Get a Competitive Personal Loan In the landscape of modern finance, credit scores can often feel like gatekeepers to our goals, barring or granting access to essential funding when we need it most. The truth is, debt is as common as it is complex, threading through the lives of many with silent tenacity. Understanding its prevalence is the first step in navigating the choppy financial waters it can create. - read more
|
![]() | The Psychological Impact of Debt: Strategies for Stress Relief and Better Fiscal Health It is no secret that the foundation of financial well-being is rooted in effective budgeting. In today's fast-paced world, where consumerism reigns, understanding how to manage one's finances has never been more crucial. Budgeting is not merely about restraining spending; it’s about creating a strategic plan that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle. It allows individuals to gain control over their money, rather than letting their spending habits dictate their life course. - read more
|
![]() | Budgeting Basics: How to Create a Stress-Free Financial Plan Budgeting is often seen as a restrictive practice, something that curtails fun and spontaneity. However, the truth is quite the contrary. Proper budgeting is a fundamental aspect of nurturing financial well-being. It's about understanding your income, controlling your spending, and ensuring that you prioritize saving and investing. A well-crafted budget can lead to a stress-free financial life by giving you a clear view of where your money is going and where you can potentially save. - read more
|
![]() | How to Create a Budget That Really Works for You Budgeting is a foundational skill in the realm of personal finance, and as crucial as setting the sails is to a captain navigating through treacherous waters. Just as steady winds propel a ship towards its destination, a well-structured budget guides individuals towards their financial goals with confidence and control. - read more
|
![]() | Taking Control: Steps to Improve Your Credit and Secure the Loan You Need Your credit score is much more than just a number; it's a reflection of your financial history and a determining factor in securing future loans. Understanding how bad credit can affect your loan applications is crucial in today's financial landscape. Bad credit can lead to frustration and disappointment when looking for a competitive loan offer, but don't lose heart—there are actionable steps you can take to improve your situation. - read more
|
![]() | Understanding Soft Credit Checks: Safeguard Your Score During Loan Comparison When embarking on the journey to secure financing, particularly for significant purchases such as a car, your credit score takes center stage in the eyes of lenders. A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, derived from your financial history and behaviors. It wields substantial influence on your ability to acquire loans with favorable terms. - read more
|
![]() |
Taking Control: Steps to Improve Your Credit and Secure the Loan You Need Your credit score is much more than just a number; it's a reflection of your financial history and a determining factor in securing future loans. Understanding how bad credit can affect your loan applications is crucial in today's financial landscape. Bad credit can lead to frustration and disappointment when looking for a competitive loan offer, but don't lose heart—there are actionable steps you can take to improve your situation. - read more
|
![]() |
Bad Credit? Here's How You Can Still Get a Competitive Personal Loan In the landscape of modern finance, credit scores can often feel like gatekeepers to our goals, barring or granting access to essential funding when we need it most. The truth is, debt is as common as it is complex, threading through the lives of many with silent tenacity. Understanding its prevalence is the first step in navigating the choppy financial waters it can create. - read more
|
![]() |
Secured Versus Unsecured: Which Loan Option Aligns with Your Financial Goals? The landscape of personal financing is broad and varied, particularly in the Australian market where individuals have access to an array of loan options. When considering lending, the fundamental distinction to comprehend is that between 'secured' and 'unsecured' loans. - read more
|
![]() |
The Smart Borrower's Guide: Understanding Interest Rates on Small Loans When it comes to borrowing money, whether it's for personal use or for your small business, understanding interest rates is paramount. An interest rate, simply put, is the cost you pay to borrow money. It's typically expressed as a percentage of the principal amount you're loaned. This fee is how lenders earn on the funds they lend and is a key component you should consider before signing a loan agreement. - read more
|