The climbing cost of climate change for the Australian property market
The insurance premium gap between flood affected and non-flood affected homes is significant
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Climate change is already affecting home values due to the impact of more severe weather events and rising home insurance premiums, and the cost of building is likely to rise as regulatory changes designed to enhance climate resilience alter building codes and zoning laws, according to a new report.
The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council describes climate change as an emerging trend that is raising the cost and complexity of supplying more housing. In its newly released State of the Housing System report, the council discusses how climate change is reducing the value of some homes when major weather events cause flooding or other natural disasters.
“The price differential between flood-affected and non-flood affected homes has been estimated to be up to 35 percent a year after a flooding event,” the report says. “Furthermore, the RBA estimates around 7.5 percent of properties are in areas that could experience price falls of at least 5 percent due to climate change by 2050.”
More than one million households are struggling to afford home insurance, and rates of non-insurance are increasing due to the cost. For example, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission estimated that 40 percent of homes in Northern Western Australia were uninsured in 2020.
“Climate change is causing home insurance premiums to rise across Australia, adding to already elevated housing costs. Homeowners in areas considered at–risk of natural disasters are expected to see insurance premiums rise further or have difficulty obtaining insurance due to heightened risks.”
More frequent and severe weather events such as cyclones and bushfires, as well as coastal erosion and flooding from rising sea levels, present risks to housing safety. More than 3,000 homes were lost in the 2019-20 bushfire season, causing $2.3 billion in insurance losses. The report says the predicted direct cost of natural disasters to the economy and housing will be $35.2 billion per year by 2050.
Climate change and net-zero targets could raise the cost of building new homes, the report says. “Regulatory changes to enhance climate resilience will alter building codes and zoning regulations.
Developers facing higher compliance costs may have difficulties meeting updated standards, potentially delaying or reducing housing availability.”
However, the report says the increased cost of building a home with climate-resistant materials and eco-friendly features is more than offset by lower energy costs over a property’s lifetime. The current minimum energy efficiency requirements within the National Construction Code are estimated to deliver a household–level benefit-to-cost ratio of 1.37, according to the report.
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Now selling from Level 9, this new tower pairs skyline and Harbour Bridge views with the quiet of Ismay Reserve, and pricing from just $560,000 for one, two and three-bedroom residences.
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The skyline at Sydney’s Homebush is about to change, and The Maybelle is leading the charge.
The new residential tower has officially opened sales from Level 9, offering one, two and three-bedroom residences priced from $560,000, with move-in slated for late 2026.
What sets The Maybelle apart is its position. Residents on higher floors will wake up to sweeping city skyline and Harbour Bridge views.
The building overlooks the leafy calm of Ismay Reserve, giving owners the rare combination of a genuine outlook and a sense of green space, without compromising on either.
Location is doing plenty of the heavy lifting, too.
The Maybelle sits moments from the popular Homebush dining and lifestyle precinct, and is well connected to Strathfield, Sydney Olympic Park and the Sydney CBD, making it a strong option for buyers who want city access without giving up a slower pace at home.
For buyers considering their options in Sydney’s inner west, the appeal is straightforward: a genuine outlook, a connected address and an entry price that remains competitive for the location.
Registrations are now open for exclusive launch access. Get VIP access today.
Be the first to view floor plans, pricing, and availability before they are made public.
Register now at themaybelle.com.au or call 1300 066 292.
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