News · macrobusiness.com.au

Nobody wants to build housing in falling market

Two reports suggest Australia's residential construction market is weakening significantly amid falling prices, rising interest rates and federal budget changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax. Stockland, the country's largest listed residential developer, reported housing inquiries of 10,452 in the September quarter, almost half the 20,183 recorded earlier in the year and its lowest level since at least 2020. Higher rates, worsening affordability, rising construction costs and recent investor tax changes are causing buyers to delay decisions. Because Stockland views inquiries as a leading indicator of future sales, the drop raises concerns about a future decline in housing construction.

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