SOUTH Australia is reviewing residential building regulations to accommodate changing family structures and an ageing population. 

Driven by rising single-parent families (projected 36 per cent increase by 2046) and single-person households (78 per cent increase over 30 years), the government is considering amendments to the Accommodation Diversity Code. 

Proposed changes include allowing co-living arrangements, increasing building heights for retirement villages, greater flexibility in apartment design and improved guidance on shared spaces in student accommodation. 

Housing Minister Nick Champion said the shift away from nuclear families emphasised the need for housing options that reflected diverse family structures. 

Consultation on the amendment is open at yoursay.sa.gov.au/accommodation-diversity until February 27. 

Building approvals surge 

South Australia is experiencing a construction boom. 

According to Treasurer Stephen Mulligan, building approvals surged more than 20 per cent in the past year. 

October’s figures showed approvals exceeded the decade average by more than 11 per cent, the highest growth rate among all states. 

This contrasted with a national decline of 8.9 per cent below the decade average. 

Mr Mulligan highlighted this positive trend as evidence of a strong economy and robust housing market in SA.