Australia’s largest home builders revealed: Metricon leads the pack for the tenth year

In a significant development for the Australian construction industry, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) has unveiled its Housing 100 2024/25 report, revealing the nation’s top 100 residential builders based on the number of new home commencements. The report indicates an 11% growth in new home starts, reflecting a robust recovery in the housing sector.

For the tenth consecutive year, Metricon has claimed the top position, reporting 4,015 new home starts across four states in the 2024/25 period. Metricon’s dominance in the market is attributed to its consistent focus on quality and customer satisfaction. “To achieve ten consecutive years as Australia’s number one builder is an extraordinary milestone — one that speaks to our unwavering commitment to quality, affordability, and customer trust,” stated Metricon CEO Brad Duggan. He further highlighted, “Over the past decade, 48,000 Australians have chosen Metricon to build their home, significantly more than any other builder, and that trust is the foundation of our business.”

Trailing Metricon, ABN Group secured the second spot with 3,530 starts, followed by Meriton Apartments with 3,029 starts. The top five were rounded out by NEX Building Group (2,898 starts) and AHB Group, which includes SOHO Living, with 2,891 starts. These figures underscore the competitive landscape of the Australian home building industry, where innovation and adaptability are key to maintaining market share.

The report also highlights the performance of specific categories within the industry. Metricon not only led overall but also topped the detached home builders category with 3,699 starts. This segment saw a 4.5% increase, totaling 46,944 starts. Meanwhile, AHB Group and SOHO Living emerged as leaders in the semi-detached dwelling category with 506 starts. The category itself experienced a remarkable 24% growth, reaching 6,443 starts.

AHB Group founder and director Pasquale Garofalo attributed their success to a strategic focus on meeting diverse customer needs. “From families seeking value and flexibility, to downsizers looking for comfort without compromise, we’re designing for real life,” Garofalo explained. “This result is proof of what happens when good design, affordability, and location come together.”

Meriton Apartments led the charge in the multi-unit category, with national starts surging by 40% to 11,020. This growth in multi-unit developments highlights a shift towards urban living and higher-density housing solutions, driven by increasing demand in metropolitan areas.

The report also identified significant movers within the industry. Parkview Constructions recorded the largest growth in the “biggest movers” category, with an increase of 1,403 starts, marking a 131% rise from the previous year. Coronation Property followed with 1,097 additional starts (a 161% increase), and Mirvac Group saw a substantial rise with 975 more starts, representing a 524% increase.

HIA chief economist Tim Reardon expressed optimism about the future of the housing market, noting the positive trends across all categories. “These results reinforce that Australia’s largest builders are ready to lead the next phase of housing growth,” Reardon commented. He also pointed to factors such as interest rate cuts, strong population growth, and easing construction costs as supportive elements for continued building activity. “Detached starts are forecast to lift steadily to a 2027 peak, while multi-unit commencements are set for an even stronger recovery,” he added. “Australia’s largest builders have shown once again that they are resilient, capable, and ready to deliver the homes our growing population needs.”

The Housing 100 report not only highlights the leaders in the industry but also reflects broader trends and shifts within the market. As Australia continues to grapple with housing supply challenges, the performance and strategies of these top builders will play a crucial role in shaping the future of residential construction in the country.