Master Builders SA calls for urgent action as Platinum Fine Homes enters voluntary administration

The state’s peak body for home building is fearful for the sector that employs thousands across the state as another firm goes under and approvals for houses in South Australia declined for the 11th-straight month.

• 2018 — York Civil enters administration
• 2018 — Dowling Homes in liquidation
• 2017 — Fenbreeze Homes collapses
• 2016 — Homestead Homes collapses
• 2015 — Tagara Builders in liquidation

The state’s peak body for home building is fearful for the sector as another firm goes under and approvals for houses in South Australia declined for the 11th-straight month.

In the wake of award-winning custom house builder Platinum Fine Homes entering voluntary administration Master Builders SA chief executive Ian Markos told The Advertiser “it won’t be the last” if action isn’t changed.

“Quite frankly, too often the housing industry is taken for granted,” he said.

Master Builders Association of SA CEO Ian Markos.

“Many people see building homes as something that “just happens”, forgetting it drives the state economy, creates jobs, stimulates other industries and helps create better communities. The sector employs thousands of South Australians and last final year total residential building in South Australia was worth $3.49 billion.

“We have seen eleven consecutive months of declining building approvals.

“Urgent action is required to protect jobs and improve affordability.”

The Advertiser attempted to contact the directors of Platinum Fine Homes regarding the business going into voluntary administration.

Mr Markos said the new Productivity Commission needed to look at the “negative factors” that was contributing to the sectors’ woes.

“Inefficient land release strategies, excessive development levies, taxes and charges and excessive planning and building requirements drive up house prices by about 40 per cent,” he said.

“This situation cannot go on.”

He said there was also concern in the industry that planning reforms currently underway would also make it harder to build houses.

The State Government has said it would consider “further tax cuts” in the context of the 2019/20 Budget.