Greg Hankinson , Director - Metropole Constructions
After a prolonged period of delays and disruption following the pandemic, there’s more good news for homebuilders and investors in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane – build times are starting to come down.
According to the latest ABS data, the average time to build a detached house – including townhouses – has dropped from a pandemic peak of 10.5 months to 9.2 months in the 2024/25 financial year. That’s still above the pre-pandemic norm of 6.5 months, but it’s a clear step in the right direction.
We know how critical build timelines are to project feasibility and investor confidence. Shorter construction periods mean faster returns, reduced holding costs, and more predictable delivery schedules – especially important in today’s competitive market.
While the pace of new home construction remains below the government’s ambitious target of 1.2 million homes over five years, the easing of key pressures, including labour shortages, material costs, and infrastructure bottlenecks, is helping restore momentum. For developers and investors, that’s a welcome shift.
Apartment build times haven’t seen the same improvement yet, largely due to the complexity and scale of current projects. But for detached housing, especially in growth corridors across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, the outlook is improving.
With demand still strong, interest rates lower, and government incentives supporting buyer activity, the timing couldn’t be better. If you’re planning to build or invest, now’s the moment to reassess timelines and take advantage of a more stable construction environment.
At Metropole, we’re helping clients navigate this evolving landscape with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re developing for resale, rental yield, or long-term capital growth, reduced build times are a strategic advantage worth leveraging.
