TRADIES... In 2023 Country Living Homes tradies Cameron Badenoch, Harrison Olive and Glen Mulders were helping to meet the tight demands of the construction industry. The issue is ongoing.
SEVERE trade shortages are hindering Australia’s new home construction boom, according to a new Housing Industry Association Trades report.
The report revealed worsening shortages across all markets, with an availability index plummeting to - 0.54.
HIA senior economist Matt King cited stiff competition from non-residential construction and government projects, coupled with increased demand from owner-occupiers and investors.
This surge in demand followed a period of stable interest rates, strong population growth and income stabilisation, he said.
There are critical shortages in bricklaying, tiling, plastering and carpentry, with trade prices rising at 3.4 per cent annually — significantly higher than pre-pandemic averages.
Mr King said there was an urgent need for a significant increase in skilled tradespeople to meet housing demand and alleviate cost pressures.
