The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) welcomed Premier Roger Cook’s announcement today in relation to the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the next tranche of the Housing Diversity Pipeline.
At a UDIA WA industry luncheon attended by over 500 people, the Premier advised that the State Government’s next round of EOI’s for the Housing Diversity Pipeline would provide the opportunity for private developers to identify appropriate government owned land for potential development, as part of the Housing Diversity Pipeline.
“WA is in the midst of a housing supply crisis and UDIA WA is pleased to see the Cook Government is continuing to look at ways to address the issues and support industry in getting more housing to the market,” UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck said.
“UDIA WA recommended that providing the opportunity for private developers to identify appropriate government land for development, would ensure that viable sites are selected that can facilitate more housing on the ground, faster,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“We are pleased that the State Government has listened to our advice, given we believe the private sector is best placed to deliver the housing supply we need quickly and efficiently,” Ms Steinbeck said.
The Premier said that any revenue from the program would be put back into housing related initiatives.
“The more focus and practical solutions that are put forward to address our current housing needs, the better,” Ms Steinbeck said.
UDIA WA has consistently highlighted the current housing supply shortages impacting on the Perth market, with recent data showing the number of new lots on the market was the lowest since 2006, with just 617 lots available to the market as at 31 March 2024.
According to UDIA WA’s Urban Development Index for the March Quarter 2024, the number of lots on the market declined by 34.5% over the quarter and dropped 70% drop compared to the same time last year.
The drop in supply is coupled with a dramatic lift in demand, with UDIA WA’s data showing a 30% increase in the number of lots sold during the March 2024 quarter. The increase in sales over the year was an astronomical 135%.
“The current housing crisis is critical and must be addressed with real solutions that consider how we get the homes we need, to the people that need them, faster,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“Solutions like the one announced today are important steps toward addressing the supply shortfall and ensuring that we can keep a lid on housing affordability,” Ms Steinbeck said.
UDIA WA looks forward to seeing more details about how the next tranche of the Housing Diversity Pipeline EOI process will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
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