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WA Homeownership Dream Fades as Construction Costs Soar

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. ship-dream-fades-as-construction-costs-soar.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 7:34 GMT by The West Australian
      Locales: Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

Perth, Western Australia - February 10th, 2026 - The dream of homeownership in Western Australia is slipping further out of reach for many, as construction costs have skyrocketed by a staggering 97% between 2019 and 2024, according to a new report released by the Master Builders Association of WA (MBA WA). This dramatic surge is raising serious concerns about housing affordability and the future of the state's construction industry.

The MBA WA's latest analysis reveals a perfect storm of contributing factors driving up the price of building a new home. While the report focuses on the 2019-2024 period, preliminary data suggests the trend has not abated, and continued pressures are anticipated through 2026. The initial explosion in costs was initially spurred by the global disruptions experienced during the pandemic, but has now become entrenched due to systemic issues within the WA building sector.

Material Costs Soar: A primary driver of the increased costs has been the sharp rise in the price of essential building materials. Timber and steel, crucial components in any new build, have experienced substantial price hikes over the past six years. While global commodity prices have seen some fluctuations, WA's unique logistical challenges - its remote location and reliance on interstate and international supply chains - have exacerbated the problem. The ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe and subsequent disruptions to global steel production continue to exert upward pressure on prices. Moreover, increased demand for sustainable building materials, while positive for the environment, often comes with a higher price tag.

Labour Shortages Cripple Industry: Compounding the material cost issue is a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople across all sectors of the construction industry. Experienced carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, and electricians are in high demand, driving up wages and creating significant delays in project completion. An aging workforce, coupled with a lack of new entrants into the trades, is at the heart of the problem. Immigration patterns, previously a reliable source of skilled labour, have been inconsistent in recent years, further exacerbating the situation. The WA government's attempts to attract overseas workers have been hampered by bureaucratic hurdles and competition from other states and countries.

Supply Chain Bottlenecks Persist: The global supply chain disruptions that began in 2020 have not fully resolved, continuing to impact the availability and cost of imported building materials and components. Delays in shipping, port congestion, and increased freight costs are adding further pressure on builders and homeowners. The reliance on a limited number of suppliers for certain materials also creates vulnerabilities, making the industry susceptible to price fluctuations and shortages. While efforts are being made to diversify supply chains, these initiatives take time to implement and deliver results.

Regulatory Burden Adds to Costs: The MBA WA report also highlights the increasing complexity of building regulations and planning processes in WA. Lengthy approval times, bureaucratic red tape, and ever-changing requirements are adding significant costs and delays to construction projects. Builders are forced to dedicate more resources to navigating the regulatory landscape, diverting funds that could otherwise be used to reduce construction costs. Calls for a simplification of the planning process and a more streamlined approval system have been repeatedly made by industry groups, but progress has been slow.

Impact on Homeowners and the Industry: The escalating costs are placing immense pressure on both builders and prospective homeowners. Many building contracts are becoming increasingly difficult to manage, with builders facing the risk of financial loss if costs exceed their estimates. Potential homeowners are delaying or abandoning their plans to build, contributing to a growing housing shortage. The ripple effect is being felt throughout the broader economy, impacting related industries such as furniture manufacturing and landscaping.

MBA WA Calls for Government Action: Dominic Curtin, Director of Housing and Investment at MBA WA, is urging the State Government to take decisive action to address these challenges. "Streamlining planning processes, reducing regulatory complexity, and investing in training and upskilling initiatives are crucial steps towards alleviating the pressure on the industry and ensuring housing affordability," he stated. The MBA WA proposes a collaborative approach involving government, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions to develop a long-term strategy for sustainable and affordable building.

Looking forward, experts predict that construction costs will remain elevated in the near term, unless significant changes are made to address the underlying issues. The WA government is currently reviewing its housing policies, and is expected to announce a package of measures in the coming months. However, the scale of the problem is such that a comprehensive and sustained effort will be required to restore affordability and ensure a healthy future for the construction industry.