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HIA News ·

Housing affordability reaches new record low

Australia's housing affordability hit a record low in June 2026, with the HIA Affordability Index falling 3.1% in the quarter. This is the worst result since HIA records began in 1994.

HIA Affordability Index fell 3.1% in the June quarter 2026 — the worst result since records began in 1994.

"The HIA Affordability Index deteriorated by 3.1 per cent in the June quarter 2026" - Tom Devitt, HIA Senior Economist.

Is Australia's housing affordability crisis affecting demand for new builds?

Builders and related trades may see shifts in new housing demand as buyers are priced out, potentially affecting project pipelines and workloads.

Key takeaways

  • Australia's housing affordability is at its worst level since HIA records began in 1994.
  • The HIA Affordability Index dropped 3.1% in the June quarter 2026.
  • Worsening affordability could reduce new housing demand, impacting builders and trades.
  • The data was reported by HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.
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