Thursday 8 October 2026
Afternoon EditionRSS
ZOTPAPER

News without the noise

ZOTPAPER
Australia

Western Australia falls further behind housing target as completions drop

ABS data shows 6.3 per cent decline in June quarter, total dwellings below 20,000 for the financial year

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
Sources3 outlets
Western Australia is falling further behind its National Housing Accord target, with new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealing a 6.3 per cent drop in the number of homes completed during the June quarter. The total number of dwellings completed over the last financial year fell below 20,000, prompting criticism from the opposition as the state grapples with a housing crisis.

The ABS data showed 4,814 homes were built across Western Australia in the June quarter, down 6.3 per cent from the previous quarter and 12.9 per cent lower than the same period a year earlier.

Opposition housing spokeswoman Sandra Brewer described the result as "appalling" given the state's housing shortage. "A decade ago, WA completed more than 32,000 homes in a year. Today, despite a much larger population and enormous demand, we are nowhere near that level," Brewer said.

The figures indicate the state is slipping further behind the targets set under the National Housing Accord, a federal-state agreement aimed at boosting housing supply across Australia.

§

Analysis

Why This Matters

  • WA's housing shortage affects affordability and availability for residents across the state.
  • Falling completions despite population growth and high demand suggest the crisis may deepen.
  • The National Housing Accord target is a key benchmark for federal and state housing policy.

Background

WA was completing more than 32,000 homes annually a decade ago. The National Housing Accord, agreed between the federal and state governments, sets targets for new dwellings to address chronic undersupply. The latest figures show completions running well below historical levels at a time of strong population growth.

Key Perspectives

Opposition housing spokeswoman Sandra Brewer: Called the result "appalling" and contrasted current output with the more than 32,000 homes completed a decade ago, arguing the government is failing despite enormous demand. State government: No response was reported in the sources. The government has previously cited supply chain pressures and labour shortages as constraints on building. Critics/Skeptics: Housing advocates have argued that targets alone are insufficient without stronger planning reforms, incentives for builders, and investment in affordable housing.

What to Watch

  • Next quarter's ABS housing completion data for any further decline or recovery.
  • Any policy announcements from the WA government aimed at accelerating construction.
  • Federal government's review of the National Housing Accord progress and potential adjustments to targets or funding.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

How we workReport an errorSubscribe