Inquiry into overcoming construction constraints for the supply of new detached and high-rise housing
The responsiveness of housing supply to demand in Australia has long been constrained. Historically the supply of detached housing has not increased during periods of increased demand; instead, the time taken to complete construction increases.
This Inquiry will investigate constraints in the housing construction sector associated with supply chain, workforce, technology, regulation, system of work and markets. It will map the industry, model constraints and simulate potential solutions, bringing these together with a review of international innovation to deliver policy options.
This Inquiry will address the following overarching research question:
How can the construction of detached and high-rise housing in Australia be improved to increase the supply of housing and speed of delivery, subject to other social, environmental and economic goals?
Focusing on six domains (supply chain, workforce, technology, regulation, system of work and markets) the Inquiry and its Research Projects will answer three subsequent research questions to better inform policy and practice:
- What innovation is occurring in residential construction internationally and what are the lessons of leading international practice?
- What is the nature of construction constraints in the detached house building sector and what changes are likely to have the greatest impact on completion times and increasing supply responsiveness?
- What is the nature of construction constraints in the multi-residential sector and what changes are likely to have the greatest impact on completion times and increasing supply responsiveness?
Lead Researcher: Professor Ron Wakefield, RMIT University
Project Number: 53340
Supporting research projects
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Innovation for more efficient, resilient and responsive housing construction industry: international lessons
Innovation is Australia’s pathway to a more productive, responsive and efficient residential construction sector. This project will identify the international innovations most likely to deliver housing construction productivity gains while achieving other social, environmental and economic objectives.
Led by: Professor Andrew Beer, University of South Australia
Project Number: 32341 -
Transforming detached housing construction: policy solutions to overcome productivity constraints
This research will investigate the construction phase of detached housing development to understand how it impacts on new housing delivery and supply, and what interventions may improve performance. Using a mixed methods approach, stakeholder evidence will be modelled to identify policy options to increase productivity.
Led by: Associate Professor Ehsan Gharaie, RMIT University
Project Number: 53342 -
Transforming high-rise housing construction: policy solutions to overcome productivity constraints
This research will investigate the construction phase of high-rise housing development to understand how it impacts on new housing delivery and supply, and what interventions may improve performance. Using a mixed methods approach, stakeholder evidence will be modelled to identify policy options to increase productivity.
Led by: Professor Chy Lin Lee, University of New South Wales.
Project Number: 71343