High density housing approvals fall in February
Master Builders Australia CEO has called on the Federal Government to put an end to further interest rate rises to relieve pressure on renters and first homebuyers
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Falling building approvals for higher density dwellings is contributing to the rental crisis, chief economist at Master Builders Australia said today.
Shane Garrett’s comments follow the release of Australian Bureau of Statistic data showing high density approvals had fallen by -9.5 percent during February. He said declining approvals in this sector will put further pressure on renters, as well as first homebuyers.
“The volume of new approvals on the higher density side is now at its lowest in over a decade,” Mr Garrett said. “The output of new higher density homes has been depressed since before the pandemic.
“Inadequate volumes of new supply are contributing to growing difficulties in our rental market. Rents are currently rising at their fastest pace in over a decade.”
Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the Federal Government needed to take ‘necessary steps’ to ensure there were no further interest rate rises.
“There is no silver bullet; this will take a concerted effort by all levels of government working in collaboration with industry,” said Ms Wawn.
The seasonally adjusted falls in February are part of a downward trend in the high density sector, which has seen a -45.9 percent drop over the year. This compares with a 11.3 percent uptick in approvals for private sector housing, seasonally adjusted. This sector is down -13.6 percent of the yearly period.
Tasmania recorded the highest increase in overall approvals, up 122.1 percent in February, followed by South Australia at 28.5 percent, NSW (14.0 percent), and Victoria (8.5 percent), while Queensland (-13.7 percent) and Western Australia (-6.4 percent) decreased. Approvals for private sector houses rose in all states.
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Citizen Kanebridge member Marcel Zalloua delivered a standout result in Tigani Motorsport’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo, backed by Robb Report Australia & New Zealand and Citizen Kanebridge.
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Sydney’s night sky lit up with speed and precision when Tigani Motorsport’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo charged to a second-place finish in the Pro-Am class during Race 1 of the GT World Challenge Australia at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Behind the wheel was entrepreneur and Citizen Kanebridge member Marcel Zalloua, partnered with Supercars regular Thomas Randle in a formidable one-off pairing that impressed from the outset.
The result marks a major milestone for Zalloua, a returning driver with previous success in the Am class, and continues Tigani Motorsport’s strong form in the 2025 season.
Zalloua is part of Citizen Kanebridge, an invitation-only club based in Sydney.
The club curates exclusive events, thought-leadership forums and networking opportunities for high-achieving individuals across investment, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The sleek #44 AMG GT3 Evo also sported a high-end lineup of sponsors, including Robb Report Australia & New Zealand and Citizen Kanebridge, alongside other premium backers — all part of a strategy to align the vehicle with luxury, performance and lifestyle excellence.
Race 1 saw the Zalloua-Randle duo execute a clean, strategic drive to claim the podium, with the car showing strong pace under lights.
Although Race 2 proved more challenging with a ninth-place finish in class, their combined effort across the weekend delivered valuable points to Tigani Motorsport’s championship campaign.
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