ACT Confidence Steady, Rates and Red Tape Hinder Delivery
The latest Property Council / Procore quarterly snapshot of industry sentiment shows confidence lifting in the ACT property and construction sector but warns that planning bottlenecks and project viability concerns are holding back housing delivery.
Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the latest industry sentiment survey followed a Budget that, while cautious and steady, confirmed rate increases and failed to address major cost and delivery hurdles.
“These latest quarterly results offer a timely reminder – one year into the National Housing Accord – that the ACT must act now to lift productivity and meet its housing supply targets.
“This is a sector ready to get on with the job – but delays, complexity and rising costs are making it harder to turn approvals into homes,” Ms Berry said.
“Confidence in the ACT Government’s ability to manage growth has dropped to the lowest of any jurisdiction – and the Budget decision to lift commercial rates without a clear plan for reform has only added to the pressure,” Ms Berry said.
The Property Council/Procore survey results show:
Ms Berry said the findings revealed growing strain within the system – despite continued optimism about the ACT economy and market fundamentals.
“This is a capable, solutions-focused industry. But the planning system isn’t keeping pace, and the cost of getting projects to market is making delivery harder,” she said.
“There’s strong demand for housing and investment – but our pipeline is shrinking. When costs go up and planning delays persist, it becomes harder for projects to stack up.
“The ACT Government made the right calls on zoning and housing diversity – but delivery still lags. A Housing Delivery Taskforce, styled on the successful NSW model, would be a smart next step to turn approvals into homes.
“Rates keep going up, feasibility keeps falling, and delays keep mounting. It’s time for a reset. The ACT must partner with industry to clear the path for housing delivery and long-term economic resilience.
“This isn’t just about housing targets – it’s about making sure there are real options for families, essential workers and older Canberrans to live where they want, close to services and opportunity,” Ms Berry said.
“The ACT has the foundations to lead the nation in sustainable growth. But that will only happen if government and industry are working together to make it easier to deliver homes – not harder.” Ms Berry said.
https://www.propertycouncil.com.au/media-releases/act-confidence-holds-but-rates-and-red-tape-continue-to-undermine-delivery