Housing market continues to cool
“Building approvals continued to cool particularly in the apartment market,” stated HIA Economist Tom Devitt.
Month: August 2019
Engineering construction slumps as industry waits on infrastructure
“The need to fast-track the rollout of infrastructure projects has grown more urgent following the June quarter slump in engineering construction activity to be at its lowest level in a decade,” Shane Garrett, Chief Economist of Master Builders Australia said.
Commercial construction faced mixed outlook after a high
Forecasts released by Master Builders Australia suggest that the next few years will be a bit softer on the commercial building front.
New home building forecast to weaken further
There is no immediate end in sight to the new home building slump but a recovery is certainly on the horizon, according to forecasts released by Master Builders Australia.
Work to begin as Australian Museum confirms builder
NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin has announced Kane Constructions as the successful tenderer to develop the next stage of the Australian Museum’s $57.5 million redevelopment known as Project Discover.
New home sales remain slow
“Sales for the three months to July (2019) increased by 6.1 per cent on the preceding quarter and remained down by 12.8 per cent compared to this time last year (2018),” stated HIA’s Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.
Market to stabilise 20 per cent below peak
“The easing of wider economic and housing market conditions has given rise to a situation where monetary and fiscal stimulus is possible, without fear of overheating house prices,” stated HIA’s Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.
Transport infrastructure wave to spur construction higher
The impending rollout of major government-led transport infrastructure will be good news for thousands of small construction businesses across Australia, according to newly-released forecasts from Master Builders Australia.
Red tape and taxes account for half of a house and land package
“Half of the cost of a house and land package in Sydney is red tape and taxes,” stated Tim Reardon, HIA’s Chief Economist.
Targeting employers flouting workplace safety rules
A new workplace health and safety awareness campaign targeting employers who risk workers’ lives is warning they face tough penalties if they do the wrong thing.
Building ministers need to maintain momentum on regulation compliance and enforcement
Australia’s building ministers must continue the momentum on building regulation compliance and enforcement to deliver better outcomes for property owners and tenants.
Zero Energy Homes the way of the future
Net Zero Energy Homes in Melbourne, Townsville, Canberra and Perth housing developments have been validated as achievable and affordable, but highlighted a market slow to pick up on easy opportunities for improved energy efficiency and thermal comfort.