Australia’s expanding population combined with housing affordability will continue to increase demand for housing and the development of new housing projects.
“Given the high cost of land and housing and apartments in many suburban areas, new developments play the major role in providing affordable housing for families wanting a detached home and space to raise a family,” said Tony De Domenico of the Urban Development Institute of Victoria.
”Academics and other groups who constantly attack the provision for housing in fringe areas conveniently overlook the fact that many families cannot afford a million dollars plus for a terrace home in areas such as Carlton in Melbourne or Paddington in Sydney and also fail to recognise the quality lifestyle housing projects being provided,” Mr De Domenico said.
Mr De Domenico said that reform was needed to state planning systems to cut red tape.
“There is a need for more certainty in providing a wider range of housing options including apartments, townhouses and detached houses in a range of areas from inner urban to new outer suburbs.”
He said that regional areas around major cities are also important for future growth and employment opportunities.