The latest ABS Building Activity data shows 10,336 new homes were completed in NSW over the quarter, short of the 19,600 quarterly average needed to hit the state's Housing Accord target of 377,000 homes by 2029. Commencements rose from 10,919 to 13,573 over the quarter.
Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson said the data offered a ray of hope that the fruits of the NSW Government's housing reform program were finally beginning to show.
"This uptick in commencements is a much-needed sign of momentum returning to the state's home-building pipeline," Ms Stevenson said.
"It's the first meaningful lift we've seen in housing starts, and it's a welcome signal that planning reforms and recent Budget measures may be starting to cut through," Ms Stevenson said.
"But we're still a long way off the pace we need to meet. Completions remain low, and every home not delivered today is one less option for renters and buyers tomorrow," she said.
Ms Stevenson said the launch today of the NSW Housing Pattern Book and 10-day approval pathways for some well-designed low-rise homes were more strong steps toward making delivery faster and more predictable.
"This is about delivering more homes and better homes - the Pattern Book puts good design front and centre and accelerated approvals for compliant housing types will give developers more confidence to move ahead, particularly on smaller infill projects," Ms Stevenson said.
"The Pattern Book gives us architect-designed options that will elevate the quality of housing across our communities. Giving the market a clear framework and a faster path to approval is a practical reform that can get more homes underway sooner.
"It's about cutting red tape without cutting quality. If a project meets good design standards and follows the rules, it shouldn't be held up in a backlog," she said.
"We're starting to see the green shoots of reform, from stronger apartment approvals in May to today's rise in commencements. But momentum must now be sustained across every quarter," Ms Stevenson said.
