Home ownership dream increasingly becomimg reality

NEW research shows Queensland has more homes under construction right now than ever before.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data has revealed 50,000 homes are under construction as a result of record investment. 

The ABS data reflects the Queensland Government’s plan to lift productivity across the construction sector.

Building on the momentum, the government has announced two new Residential Activation Fund projects that will unlock a further 938 homes in Brisbane by delivering the infrastructure needed to build homes sooner.

Across Rounds 1 and 2 of the Residential Activation Fund, 2223 new homes are being unlocked across Brisbane in four projects.  

The Residential Activation Fund program has now unlocked land for more than 140,000 homes statewide.

The construction numbers and investment is in addition to a record number of housing approvals by Economic Development Queensland, with over 14,600 new homes and lots approved last financial year. 

Premier David Crisafulli said the government was delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders.  

“Queensland now has more homes under construction than at any point in the State’s history, opening the door to home ownership and easing the rental squeeze,” Crisafulli said.  

“Fifty thousand homes under construction across Queensland is 50,000 families closer to unlocking that dream of home ownership.  

“We are building faster than any other region in the country, with three record quarters in a row, and we will capitalise on every bit of that momentum.  

“We will continue to pull every lever to deliver more supply.” 

Jarrod Bleijie, deputy premier and minister for state development, infrastructure and planning, said the investment was a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to building Queensland’s future. 

“These are early signs that our government’s housing supply initiatives are beginning to take effect,” Bleijie said.  

“Availability equals affordability and by ensuring supply is unlocked, while also delivering a record number of social and affordable homes and support for first homebuyers, we’re delivering Queenslanders the fresh start we promised them.” 

Master Builders deputy CEO Michael Hopkins said the data proved industry could deliver the homes Queenslanders need when the policy settings were right. 

“The government has recognised the scale of the housing challenge and backed reforms that are helping to unlock new housing supply,” Hopkins said. 

“The combined focus on enabling infrastructure, procurement reform and more efficient planning and building regulation has improved conditions for housing delivery and investment. 

“The task now is to build on that progress and continue pursuing reforms, including the Queensland Productivity Commission’s recommendations, that support the delivery of more homes across the state.” 

Ausbuild managing director Michael Loney said the investment in enabling infrastructure was critical to getting more homes to market sooner. 

“Infrastructure like sewerage, stormwater, roads and utilities is what turns development-ready land into new homes for Queenslanders,” Loney said. 

“This investment helps remove key barriers to delivery and gives industry greater confidence to keep projects moving. 

“When government and industry work together to unlock land and fast-track infrastructure, it means more homes can be built sooner.”