Dwelling Completions Collapse As Housing Crisis Deepens

Media Release | 8 October 2026

Sandra Brewer MLA
Shadow Minister for Housing

Western Australia completed fewer than 20,000 homes in 2025-26, with dwelling
completions plunging 14 per cent in a year as the State’s housing crisis continues.

New Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show just 19,569 dwellings were completed
during the financial year – dramatically below the 32,556 completed a decade ago in
2015-16.

Shadow Housing Minister Sandra Brewer said the figures were another serious setback
for West Australians struggling to find or afford a home.

“WA needs more homes, faster. Instead, under the Cook Labor Government,
completions have gone backwards by 14 per cent in a single year,” Ms Brewer said.

“Fewer than 20,000 homes completed in the middle of a housing crisis is an appalling
result.

“A decade ago, WA was completed more than 32,000 homes in a year. Today, despite a
much larger population and enormous demand, we are nowhere near that level.”

For the fifth consecutive year, Western Australia recorded the slowest average build
time of any state or territory – taking 10.2 months from commencement to completion
of a house, compared to the 8.4-month Australian average.

“We can’t overcome a housing crisis if WA can’t free itself from the shackles of the
slowest build times in the nation.

“The Cook Labor Government have got to step up their game – not just their rhetoric.
Approvals must be streamlined, regulations must be simplified and construction
capacity must not be hoarded by the Treasurer.”

The value of non-residential building work (not infrastructure) commenced by the public
sector reached a West Australian record – growing an enormous 61 per cent year-on
year.

“This is the contradiction at the heart of Labor’s approach,” Ms Brewer said.

“The State Government is pouring more construction capacity into its own projects
while West Australians are desperately waiting for homes.

“Trade shortages are not an excuse. WA’s trades should be able to deliver the homes we
need, but they’ve gone to work on government projects.

“When government projects soak up workers, materials and contractors, ordinary West
Australians are forced to compete with a Treasurer who can spend taxpayer money at
almost any price.”

While the Cook Labor Government will attempt any spin to sell this result, their infill
plans have also had a reality check. Just 11 per cent of 2025-26 completions were not
detached homes – totalling a measly 2,158 units.

“Other types of housing such as apartments have fallen 40 per cent in a year, taking us
72 per cent behind the 2015-16 level,” Ms Brewer said.

“Minister Carey can dream about infill all he likes, but all he’s demonstrated is that he
scares it away.”

Media contact: Graham Mason 0419 194 792