Housing supply regulation

Australia doesn’t build enough housing in the areas where people want to live, making housing unaffordable in many parts of the country. While regulation is necessary to ensure the safety, quality and liveability of new housing stock, too much or inappropriate regulation unduly constrains housing supply. 

The interim report sets out the PC’s draft findings about how we can improve housing regulation. It finds that relaxing land-use controls and better coordinating enabling infrastructure are the reforms that are likely to have the greatest effect on housing supply and affordability.

The PC released an interim report on 27 July 2026. Individuals and organisations are able to provide a post-interim submission to respond to the analysis and recommendations contained in the interim report.

We are also conducting a survey of housing developers about their experiences of receiving approvals for housing development. This will help us identify pain points and determine the parts of the system where reform could have the most effect. 

Submissions and survey responses were due by 30 September 2026.

The PC published a paper to assist people to prepare a submission. The paper set out some of the issues and questions that the PC has identified as relevant at the early stage of the inquiry.

Submission writers were encouraged to identify issues relevant to this inquiry and suggest ways forward. The PC appreciates evidence in support of any views, such as data, research reports and case studies.

Initial submissions were due by 15 June 2026.

Australia faces a housing shortage. We do not have enough homes, where people need them, at prices they can afford. 

The PC has been asked to examine how regulations across all levels of government can be improved to speed up delivery of new housing and boost construction productivity. 

The inquiry will identify and prioritise reforms to reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers to housing, support the National Housing Accord, and help Australia build more well-located homes.