Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said while approvals were stronger in June, the return to low numbers in July underlined the volatility in the system.
"So far this calendar year we've seen 2,147 new homes approved. To be on track with the National Housing Accord we need to be averaging 351 a month, and to reach the ACT Government's 30,000 homes target we need 500 a month," Ms Berry said.
"We've already fallen behind in 2025, so those monthly numbers now climb to 413 for the Accord and 770 for the 30,000 Homes target. We haven't seen more than 700 approvals in a single month since November 2023, which shows just how steep the climb is."
Ms Berry said the City and Environment Directorate's work to review processes and improve approval certainty was welcome, but that the biggest barriers remained in place.
"The pipeline is shrinking, and confidence is sinking. Even experienced proponents struggle to navigate a maze of assessment pathways, inconsistent interpretations and entity approvals that add cost and uncertainty at every step," she said.
"We remain concerned about the implementation of developer licensing laws and the impact this will have on housing affordability in the Territory. Layering new regulatory costs onto projects will make it even harder to deliver the number of homes Canberra needs.
"One reform that could make a real difference now is approving the Missing Middle zoning changes. This is serviced, well-located land that can deliver a diverse mix of housing types.
"We urge all members of the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Environment and Planning not to delay this once-in-a-generation reform with yet another inquiry."
Ms Berry said Canberra's housing challenge requires urgency from both government and industry.
"Housing affordability and supply is the defining challenge for our city's future. The numbers show how much work lies ahead, but with political will and industry partnership we can get more homes built for the Canberrans who need them."
