HIA calls for gentle density to address Australia’s housing crisis

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has urged state and local governments to adopt planning policies that enable “gentle density” as a solution to Australia’s worsening housing crisis.

HIA Executive Director for Planning, Mike Hermon, said increasing the supply of townhouses, micro-lot houses, and triplexes in established suburbs could provide a crucial “missing middle” between standalone houses and high-rise apartments.

“Australia’s housing crisis is at a tipping point, and one of the answers lies in embracing gentle density to unlock the missing middle housing solutions,” he said.

Hermon said current zoning laws were outdated and restrictive, limiting housing choices and preventing efficient land use.

“Gentle density is about building more homes in existing suburbs – close to education facilities, jobs, and transport – while maintaining the charm of our communities,” he said. “By optimising land use and introducing diverse housing options, we can provide a balanced approach to housing supply and affordability.”

The HIA report on gentle density highlights the need for planning reforms to allow more flexible zoning and streamlined approval processes.

“Planning must be able to deliver on the big picture and use the right tools in the right locations,” Hermon said. “This means balancing housing needs both in the inner suburbs and greenfield developments.”

According to HIA, Australia will need to build 1.2 million homes over the next five years to meet growing demand.

“Unblocking housing in our existing suburbs is a crucial piece of that puzzle,” Hermon said. “By streamlining approval processes and allowing for more flexible zoning, we can unlock the potential of our existing suburbs alongside greenfield housing and create vibrant, liveable communities for generations to come.”