Housing starts drop back
Australian housing starts fell in the March quarter after a spike in late 2025. The overall trend for new home building remains broadly positive.
Are housing starts dropping and will it affect my building work in 2025?
Builders and trade contractors may see a short-term dip in new project pipelines. Fewer housing starts can slow work for plumbers, electricians, and carpenters reliant on new builds.
Key takeaways
- Housing starts fell in the March quarter after a spike in the final three months of 2025.
- The broader trend in Australia's home building market remains positive despite the quarterly dip.
- Tradies dependent on new residential construction may experience a short-term slowdown in work.
- No state-specific breakdowns were provided in the data release.
Related
Former chief justice chosen to lead Victoria's corruption Royal Commission
A former South Australian chief justice has been appointed to lead Victoria's Royal Commission into the Big Build infrastructure program, valued at over $100 billion.
Why it matters: Builders and tradespeople working on Victorian government infrastructure projects may face scrutiny of contracts, procurement, and workplace practices.
Who Decides If the Builder Gets Paid?
Australia's residential construction payment system creates collective dysfunction despite each participant acting rationally. Independent lender inspections and fragmented decisions compress cash flow and raise insolvency risk.
Why it matters: Builders and subcontractors face cash flow gaps and insolvency risk due to misaligned payment systems. Day-to-day: invoices stall, businesses struggle to meet payroll and supplier costs.
Victorian government recognises National Skills Week by imposing more red tape on employers
The HIA has condemned the Victorian Government for advancing new legislation during National Skills Week that would impose additional red tape on employers in the trades sector.
Why it matters: Builders, plumbers, electricians and other trades employers in VIC may face increased compliance burdens, adding time and cost to running their businesses.