Home battery program passes 500,000 installs: what it means for builders
The federal home battery discount has passed half a million installations in just over a year, with the strongest uptake outside the major cities. Clients will increasingly expect new homes to be battery-ready.
6 min read
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Industry News
News that affects how builders work, price, comply and get paid. Each piece says what happened, what it means on site, and what to do about it.
Home battery program passes 500,000 installs: what it means for builders
The federal home battery discount has passed half a million installations in just over a year, with the strongest uptake outside the major cities. Clients will increasingly expect new homes to be battery-ready.
6 min read
Five Sydney social housing projects approved: almost 700 social and affordable homes
Planning approval for five Housing Australia Future Fund projects in Caringbah, Belmore, Punchbowl, Hillsdale and Pagewood will replace 209 old dwellings with 826 new homes. What it means for builders chasing social and affordable housing work.
6 min read
RBA holds the cash rate at 4.35%, but warns housing momentum has shifted
The Reserve Bank kept rates on hold after three increases this year, but its statement flagged falling house prices in some capitals, a noticeable drop in new housing loans and fuel-driven inflation. Here is what that means for builders.
6 min read
SMSF borrowing ban for residential property starts today: what it means for builders
Self-managed super funds can no longer take out new limited recourse loans to buy residential property. Existing loans are grandfathered and commercial property is unaffected. Here is what changes for builders who sell to investors.
6 min read
NSW lays final groundwork for 10-year defects insurance on apartments
The Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill has passed, giving insurers the certainty to bring 10-year defects cover for apartment buildings to market. It also toughens licensing and certifier discipline.
6 min read
NSW passes building approvals overhaul and Australia’s first laws for prefabricated homes
NSW Parliament has passed reforms that bring building approvals under one piece of legislation, recognise prefabricated buildings in law for the first time in Australia, and hit certifier conflicts of interest with fines up to $1.1 million.
6 min read
Victoria’s new Guide to Standards and Tolerances is in force: what builders need to know
The Building and Plumbing Commission’s 2026 edition replaces the 2015 guide for new contracts from 1 August. Two editions now run side by side, and the wording has shifted from “defective” to “not within tolerance”.
6 min read
Trade shortages still entrenched: bricklayers and tilers hardest to find
The Housing Industry Association’s latest Trades Report shows shortages easing only slightly, trade prices up 5.1% in the first half of 2026, and regional WA and Queensland worst hit.
6 min read
Dwelling approvals jump 7.2% in June as units lead the rebound
Australia approved 18,328 new dwellings in June, up 7.2% on May. Units did the lifting, houses were flat, and Queensland and NSW led the states.
6 min read