• Housing forecasting group predicts strong year for WA housing construction
• Report shows residential building sector rebounded strongly in 2012-13
• WA dwelling approvals in the August quarter up 27 per cent on the same period last year

WA’s Housing Industry Forecasting Group (HIFG) is predicting another strong year for Western Australia’s housing construction sector over 2013-14.

The HIFG’s October 2013 report revealed there had been a big increase in housing construction levels in 2012-13 - and predicted levels would remain relatively steady for next year.

The group is a joint Government and private sector body that forecasts trends for land and housing activity in Western Australia.

Planning Minister John Day launched the report this morning, saying it was welcome news for the housing industry.

“The report reveals a 34 per cent increase in the number of residential dwelling starts compared to last year; with 24,010 new homes starting construction in 2012-13,” Mr Day said.

“New residential construction levels are expected to remain relatively steady over the 2013-14 year, which is good news for the industry because this is an important economic driver and employment generator.

“The HIFG’s reports have been very useful tools for the State and local governments and the housing industry, bringing together data on lot and dwelling construction, the real estate market and the private rental market.”

The Minister said the Liberal National Government was committed to a strong planning reform agenda to make land available and diversify housing options.

“The planning approvals process plays an important role in bringing land to market and current data shows there is enough land zoned for residential development for more than 20 years,” he said.

“Reform of the Residential Design Codes, the relaxation of the requirements for granny flats and improved timeframes for subdivision approvals have all contributed to stimulating the development sector to offer people affordable housing options.”

Phase two of the Government’s Planning Reform agenda, which aims to further streamline approval processes to improve housing affordability and ensure continuity of land supply is currently out for public comment.

Fact File

• For the Housing Industry Forecasting Group report visit http://www.hifg.net.au
• For planning reform documents, visit http://www.planning.wa.gov.au/planningreform