New home sales slump
New home sales dropped 17.5 per cent in the September quarter 2026, according to the Housing Industry Association. The fall reverses the recovery that began in 2025.
New home sales fell 17.5 per cent in the September quarter 2026
"New home sales fell by 17.5 per cent in the September quarter 2026, reversing the recovery that commenced in 2025" - Tim Reardon, HIA Chief Economist
Why did new home sales fall in 2026 and what does it mean for my work?
Builders, carpenters and the trades that follow them on new homes (plumbers, electricians, roofers, painters) may see fewer new job starts and a thinner work pipeline in coming months.
Key takeaways
- New home sales fell 17.5 per cent in the September quarter 2026.
- The drop reverses the sales recovery that began in 2025.
- HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon reported the figures.
- Weaker sales usually mean fewer new build starts for trades later on.
Related
New home sales in Victoria remain depressed
New home sales in Victoria fell 23.3 per cent in the September quarter 2026. The drop reverses the improvement seen earlier in the year and returns sales to the depressed 2023-2024 levels.
Why it matters: Builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other trades working on new Victorian homes face a thinner pipeline of starts. That means more competition for work and possible gaps in their schedules.
New home shortfall costs Tasmania the equivalent of 2,800 nurses for two years
Tasmania's failure to build enough homes has cost the state budget an estimated $642 million in stamp duty and GST over the past two years. That is enough to pay the salaries of 2,807 registered nurses for two years.
Why it matters: Builders, carpenters and related trades in Tasmania are affected by the housing shortfall, which points to unmet demand for new construction work. It may also add pressure for policy changes that speed up approvals and building activity.
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