South Australia has earned the top rank in HIA’s Housing Scorecard, after a dedicated effort to tackle the housing crisis.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) conducts a biannual review of residential building conditions across states and territories. It evaluates each jurisdiction based on 13 key indicators of residential building performance compared to their decade averages, covering detached and multi-unit building activities, renovations, housing finance, and migration rates.
South Australia has secured the top position in indicators related to the detached housing market and renovation sector, leading to its consecutive top ranking in the nation’s scorecard for the second time, following a similar recognition in July 2023.
This positive outcome comes on the heels of the Government’s announcement of a new housing super portfolio, enhancing coordination to deliver crucial projects like the proposed construction of 3,500 homes on vacant land in Smithfield and Elizabeth South.
“This result demonstrates the efforts we are making as a State Government to address the housing crisis and improve the housing and building industry is making a difference,” Nick Champion, Minister for Housing and Urban Development said.
“The affordability and accessibility of land is driving these results but we know there is more to be done.”
The HIA scorecard acknowledges the State Government’s efforts in increasing the supply of development-ready land. Already, close to 450 hectares of land have been rezoned, with the potential to accommodate over 5,600 new dwellings across South Australia.
Additionally, the Minister for Planning has initiated 33 code amendments, potentially resulting in more than 23,000 new homes. In contrast, the previous administration released less than 190 hectares of land during its four-year tenure.
The Malinauskas Government’s initiative for A Better Housing Future encompasses several key strategies, including:
- Expedited release of the largest-ever residential land allocation in the state’s history
- Elimination of stamp duty for eligible first home buyers
- Simplification of the code amendment process
- Accelerated approvals for new homes in strategic locations
- Implementation of the first significant increase in public housing in decades, involving the construction of an additional 564 public homes and halting the sale of 580 others
- Preparation of over 900 affordable homes across various regions of SA, including West End, Prospect, Bowden, Playford, and Noarlunga
- Establishment of new housing developments for essential workers in regional South Australia through the introduction of a new Office for Regional Housing under Renewal SA
- Introduction of a new 2 percent deposit home loan program through HomeStart specifically tailored for first home buyers constructing a new residence.
“South Australia is one of the few markets where first home buyers can still afford a house and land package,” Stephen Knight, HIA Executive Director said.
“South Australia has the strongest detached housing sector in the nation with activity remaining resilient to the rise in the cash rate.
“Recent efforts to increase higher density development in areas well serviced by transport will help accommodate this housing demand going forward.”
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