Away from home on census night? Congratulations, your home is "unoccupied"
The HIA has flagged that homes left empty on census night are recorded as unoccupied, potentially skewing housing occupancy data. This affects how housing demand and vacancy rates are measured nationally.
If you are away from home tonight, your home will be recorded as 'unoccupied' - Tom Devitt, HIA Senior Economist
Could census night absences be making Australia's housing shortage look worse than it is?
Builders and developers rely on census data to plan new housing supply. Inaccurate vacancy figures could distort housing policy decisions affecting all trade sectors.
Key takeaways
- Homes left empty on census night are counted as unoccupied, regardless of whether they are permanently vacant.
- HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt flagged the issue as a potential distortion in housing data.
- Skewed occupancy data could influence housing policy and new dwelling targets.
- Tradies in the building sector may be indirectly affected if flawed data shapes future housing supply decisions.
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