Queensland state election 2024: Home build at lowest level in decade

The number of homes being built in Queensland has hit the lowest level in a decade – two years on from a state government housing summit that was supposed to fix the problem.

A total of 6948 homes were built in Queensland in the March quarter of 2024.

The number of homes being built in Queensland has hit the lowest level in a decade – two years on from a state government housing summit that was supposed to fix the problem.

The Property Council has revealed just 6948 new homes were built in the March quarter of 2024 – the lowest since 2013.

It has prompted Property Council of Australia Queensland executive director Jess Caire to call on political parties to commit to fast-tracking the delivery of more housing.

“Whoever forms government after the election faces an enormous challenge in ensuring a home for every Queenslander,” she said.

Property Council of Australia Queensland executive director Jess Caire Picture: David Clark

“This is a challenge that can only be overcome with meaningful policy change and meaningful engagement with the private sector. Since the summit, Queensland homes have been hit with two new tax hikes, bringing the total to 12 new or increased taxes on housing in less than a decade.

“These tax hikes have been coupled with a plethora of reforms being thrown at our state’s housing sector, with more than 15 reforms since the summit, covering everything from rental policies to property law.”

Ms Caire said that delivering one million new homes by 2046 required the government to strike the right balance on taxes.

“Since 2016, Queensland has lost 33,000 homes as a result of our prohibitive and unrelenting tax regime, and we can’t continue down this road,” she said.

“Queenslanders need roofs over their heads.”

Originally published as Queensland state election 2024: Home build at lowest level in decade