South Australia leads property market rankings

South Australia has been named the top-performing state in the property market. 

SA has topped the list of the Housing Industry Association (HIA) Housing Scorecard, which compares contemporary levels of activity in each state and territory against long term averages across indicators of home building and renovations activity, lending data and population flows. 

The scorecard showed SA scored 88 points, with Victoria and New South Wales both scoring under 60. 

“Five years ago, Victoria was at the top of the Scorecard, following booms in both detached and multi-unit activity and strong population growth from both overseas and interstate,” said Keith Ryan, executive director at HIA, Victoria. 

“Since then, Victoria lost its appeal to interstate arrivals, with many residents leaving for states like Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia.

“In contrast, the success of South Australia shows the value of having a strong, vibrant state government able to make clear decisions that support the housing sector and wider state economy.

“The South Australian Government’s Housing Roadmap includes bold new planning reforms, streamlined development approvals, skills investment and a strong focus from policymakers on land release.  It goes far beyond what is being attempted in Victoria," he said. 

 South Australia construction completions continue to grow 

Master Builders Australia’s analysis of ABS Construction Work Done data has shown that South Australia’s total construction work done reached $4.59 billion, marking a 7.7% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth far surpasses the national average of 3.5% for the quarter.

Compared to the December 2024 quarter, South Australia’s total construction work done increased by 6.7%, again outpacing the national result, which was flat (0.0%) over the same period.

"Our building and construction industry continues to lead the charge and deliver the infrastructure South Aussies need," said Kym Morgan, general manager of public affairs, strategic projects & member services, Master Builders Australia SA. 

"The increase in construction activity shows the efforts of government and industry to stimulate housing construction activity is working. The ABS figures also point to a strong commercial sector.

"These figures don’t mean job done. The joint housing and skills shortages will throttle economic growth unless we continue pulling all levers to address them. MBASA is committed to continuing to work with the Malinauskas Government towards overcoming these challenges and building a stronger SA," she said. 

New apartment and unit builds grew 27.9% in South Australia 

MBA’s analysis also found that building work in South Australia jumped 16.2% year-on-year, while the rest of Australia saw only a 2.6% increase.

Residential building work in SA grew by an exceptional 22.9% compared with last year, with new apartment/unit building up 27.9%.

New dwelling approvals are well ahead other states and territories 

Data also shows South Australia is well ahead of most other jurisdictions for the number of new dwellings approved in April.

Department for Treasury and Finance data shows the number of new dwellings in South Australia rose by 9.5% in April, bucking a national trend where approvals fell 5.7%. Dwelling approvals are up 28.8% year on year.

This data also revealed the number of private sector houses approved for construction in SA is up 15% year on year.

The statistics are testament to the state’s strong pipeline of projects and ongoing investment in housing developments and housing infrastructure.

The Malinauskas Labor Government is progressively delivering over 61,000 potential new housing opportunities for South Australians through the creation of a pipeline of land releases, direct project delivery, project facilitation, planning code amendments and development agreements over former government owned land.

"These outstanding figures demonstrate that South Australia is leading the nation in building and construction, with our state growing faster and stronger than anywhere else in the country," said Nick Champion. 

"These results are a credit to our hardworking construction industry and the thousands of South Australians who are building, planning and investing in SA’s future.

This is a clear vote of confidence in our state’s future and our government’s plan for housing," he said. 

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