Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director, Ashlee Berry, said the data shows just 249 new home starts were recorded the first quarter of the National Housing Accord period - the worst result since June 1998.
"The ABS data also shows building completions fell last quarter, from 1,118 in June 2024 to 943 in September. It underscores the urgent need to address delays and inefficiencies in the planning system to unlock housing supply and tackle Canberra's growing housing affordability crisis.
"These numbers confirm the ACT's housing delivery is falling well short of the commitments made under the National Housing Accord," Ms Berry said.
"The ACT needs to complete 1,053 new homes every quarter for the next five years so we're already 10% behind and with commencements slumping in the September 2024 quarter we're likely to fall behind even further."
Ms Berry said the data also reflected worsening challenges in the construction environment, including rising costs, labour shortages, and long-standing planning bottlenecks.
"The current development approvals process, particularly delays at ACAT and within referral agencies, remains a significant roadblock to housing delivery. Recent reforms are a welcome step forward, but they must be accompanied by clear accountability, streamlined processes, and ambitious timeframes so the system works for Canberrans-not against them," she said.
The Property Council has consistently advocated for measures to reduce silos, improve collaboration within the bureaucracy, and deliver much-needed certainty for industry.
"Canberra's population is growing rapidly. We need a planning system that reflects today's housing challenges, not one stuck in the past. We've shown that rezoning reform could unlock up to 60,000 new homes, helping to meet demand while respecting Canberra's unique character," Ms Berry said.
"The ACT Government has set bold housing targets, but it's time for action that delivers real results. By fast-tracking approvals and addressing inefficiencies, we can ensure a pipeline of affordable homes while boosting local construction activity and supporting economic growth."
