The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council’s State of the Housing System 2026 report shows South Australia recorded the strongest growth in new housing supply of any state last year – up 13.2% for annual dwelling completions.
The state’s housing growth rate was higher than any other state and bucked a trend seen in other states like Victoria who recorded negative growth (down 10.6%) in a year where more homes were built in South Australia than in any other year.
South Australia also recorded building approvals growth of 12.3% over the year to February 2026, outpacing most of the nation.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Nick Champion said the report confirms South Australia is part of a group of mid-sized states – alongside Queensland and Western Australia – that are leading the country in in building approvals and supply delivery, while larger states like Victoria and New South Wales face greater structural challenges.
“This report is independent national confirmation of what we already knew; South Australia is leading the country when it comes to getting homes built,” said Mr Champion.
“We didn’t get there by accident. We have thrown everything at building more homes for South Australians and we are at the top of the league table because of the investments and reforms within the Premier’s Housing Roadmap.
“This report highlights the impact that global economic uncertainty and conflict in the Middle East can have on housing affordability and the pipeline of new homes.
“This is exactly why building more homes remains a central focus for our government.
“We have a plan to unlock more land for housing, invest in more public housing and train more tradies, so that the dream of home ownership becomes a reality for even more South Australia.”
