Despite Australia’s, and particularly Victoria’s, ambitious housing targets, the development industry continues to face significant headwinds that are undermining our ability to deliver the homes and communities our growing population urgently needs.

The challenges are well known. Rising costs of living and higher interest rates have eroded purchasing power, while escalating construction costs and regulatory burdens continue to increase the cost of delivery. At the same time, fragmented government policy, duplicated processes, and increasingly complex planning pathways have created uncertainty, weakened investor confidence, and reduced industry productivity. Collectively, these constraints are placing development feasibility under unprecedented pressure and limiting the supply of new housing at a time of increasing demand.

The recent Harper B Report, informed by an examination of some of London’s most successful housing outcomes, reinforces a fundamental truth: great housing outcomes begin with great places. If we are serious about addressing the housing crisis, we must move beyond an endless cycle of targets, regulations, and policy announcements that often become outdated before they are implemented. Housing delivery requires a renewed focus on creating places where people genuinely want to live, work, and belong.

Achieving this outcome demands genuine partnership and collaboration across government, industry, investors, and communities. By working together, we can deliver greater housing choice, embrace innovation, unlock productivity, and create more sustainable, liveable, and financially viable communities. Success will require us to challenge outdated delivery models, rethink entrenched processes, and focus on outcomes rather than bureaucracy.

Only through this collective effort can we deliver the quality places and housing diversity that future generations deserve.

We encourage you to read this insightful paper by Harper B, presented by APAA, as a catalyst for rethinking how we deliver housing and create places that enrich lives, strengthen communities, and support Australia’s long-term prosperity.

Anthony Jansen, Advocacy Lead of APAA