1. How much has the population of Australia’s capital cities grown in recent years?
Between 2015–2019 and 2020–2024, capital city populations grew by roughly 1.2 million people in each period.
2. How many apartments were delivered compared with population growth?
From 2015–2019, 269,500 apartments were delivered, but this dropped to 149,300 between 2020–2024—despite similar population growth.
3. What is forecast for 2025–2029?
Capital cities are expected to grow by another 1,169,200 people, with a notional pipeline of 300,700 apartments—assuming all projects proceed.
4. Are current apartment supply levels meeting demand?
No. Most markets are significantly undersupplied and unable to match sustained population increases.
5. What factors are limiting new housing supply?
Key constraints include tax settings, labour shortages, planning system inefficiencies, and immigration settings.
6. What reforms are needed to address the housing shortage?
Federal, State, and Local governments need to coordinate meaningful changes across tax, labour, planning and immigration frameworks.
7. Is the private sector able to respond if reforms occur?
Yes. The private market is ready and willing to deliver supply at scale if governments implement enabling reforms.
8. What is Charter Keck Cramer’s position?
Charter Keck Cramer urges policymakers to make long-term, non-political decisions to address Australia’s ongoing housing crisis.