Written by Jake Brady

Increase in Building Prices

In the dynamic landscape of the Australian housing market, the cost of constructing a new home has soared to unprecedented levels, posing challenges for homeowners and builders alike.

The average cost to build a new home is exhibiting a significant uptick of nearly 10% from the year prior. These statistics, derived from ABS data comparing approvals for new homes and the total value of those projects, shed light on the escalating cost dynamics in the construction sector.

Looking back over the past three years, the surge in building costs becomes even more apparent, with an average increase of about 53% observed, the continuous rise in building expenses underscores the challenges faced by homeowners seeking to embark on new construction endeavours in Australia.

Multiple factors are fuelling the increase in costs, with shortages in labour, rising material prices, and a decrease in available trades being prominent contributors to the reshaping of the construction industry. Specifically, fluctuating material costs have been instrumental in driving the overall surge in prices. Notable hikes in material prices encompass:

  • Reinforcing Steel (Up 43%)
  • Steel Beams (Up 41%)
  • Structural Timber (Up 39%)
  • Electrical Cable (Up 27%)

The substantial upticks in material costs underscore the intricate web of challenges facing the construction industry, highlighting the need for innovative solutions and strategic approaches to mitigate the impact of rising expenses on new home construction projects.

As homeowners navigate the intricate terrain of building a new house in Australia, staying informed about these cost escalations, and exploring sustainable building practices becomes paramount. Engaging with reputable professionals, embracing cost-effective strategies, and ensure successful and sustainable building projects in the face of mounting expenses.

Amidst the current climate of escalating building costs, the quest for affordable yet high-quality housing continues to be a pressing challenge, underscoring the importance of adaptability and informed decision-making for homeowners embarking on the journey of building a new house in Australia.

Thinking of building or renovating? Wanting to make sure you maximise your budget, Keep an eye out for our October Blog.

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