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Building a future for Conveyancers: Victoria’s ambitious housing statement

• trisearch
• September 22, 2023
• Software Solutions

Victorian Conveyancing industry longevity secured with recent Victoria’s Housing Statement.

The Victorian government’s ambitious housing plan will reshape the landscape of the conveyancing industry in the state.

Conveyancers will need to be adaptable, well-informed, and potentially open to embracing new technologies and approaches to keep pace with the changes.

In the face of soaring house prices and successive interest rate hikes, achieving the dream of homeownership has become an increasingly challenging endeavor for many Australians.

Affordability, or rather the lack thereof, has emerged as a pressing concern, particularly for low and middle-income families.

Recent data reveals that households earning a median income of $105,000 can only afford approximately 13 percent of homes on the market, the lowest share in nearly three decades.

For those earning $64,000 annually, the situation is even more dire, with only 3 percent of homes within their financial reach.

With the population of Victoria projected to surge to 10.3 million by 2051, there is an urgent need to address this housing crisis. Premier Daniel Andrews and the Victorian government have recognised the gravity of the situation and are taking proactive steps to confront it head-on.

Their ambitious plan aims to build 800,000 homes in Victoria over the next decade, a critical initiative that holds the promise of making housing more accessible for all.

“That’s why this Housing Statement puts forward an ambitious plan to tackle the root of the problem: housing supply,” Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Daniel Andrews MP said.

“We’re setting a bold target to build 800,000 homes in Victoria over the next decade. It’s a simple proposition: build more homes, and they’ll be more affordable. But the Government can’t fix the problem alone.

“We’ll do it in an Affordability Partnership with industry. We’ll foster the conditions needed to stimulate investment and build high-quality homes quickly in the places where Victorians want to live – and the private market will build more social and affordable housing for the Victorians who need it most.”

Affordability: A staggering challenge

The confluence of rising interest rates and booming house prices has created an affordability crisis that is felt across the socioeconomic spectrum. It is disheartening to see that even households with median incomes find themselves priced out of the housing market. This alarming trend is indicative of a deep-seated issue that demands immediate attention.

In an effort to bridge this gap, the Victorian government has set a regional target to construct 425,600 homes, a crucial step towards ensuring that the housing market is more inclusive.

By focusing on regional development, the government aims to create thriving communities that are accessible to a broader range of Victorians.

Rising population expectations: A call to action

As the fastest-growing state in Australia, Victoria is experiencing unprecedented population growth. The estimated increase of 3.5 million people in Melbourne alone over the next 28 years underscores the urgency of the situation.

Premier Daniel Andrews rightly recognises that a bold approach is required to meet this demand.

“This Housing Statement is the first part of our journey: kicking off the critical work we can do now to build the homes, suburbs and communities Victorians can enjoy for generations to come,” Andrews said.

“But we know there’s more to do, and we’ll get on with it – bringing Victorians with us.”

A benefit to Victorian Conveyancers

The ambitious housing plan put forth by the Victorian government, led by Premier Daniel Andrews, will have significant implications for the Victorian conveyancing industry. This will largely be seen in three different key areas, including:

Increased transaction volume

The Victorian government’s plan to build 800,000 homes in the next decade will lead to a surge in property transactions. This will significantly impact the workload of conveyancers, requiring them to handle a higher volume of purchases and sales.

Diverse property types and locations

The plan encompasses a wide range of properties, including market-rate, social, and affordable housing. Conveyancers will need to adapt to handle the unique legalities associated with each type. Additionally, the focus on regional development means transactions may occur in areas outside major cities.

Adaptation to affordability measures and innovation

With a commitment to affordability, conveyancers will need to stay updated on any changes in laws or policies affecting property transactions. Additionally, the potential for innovation in the conveyancing process, driven by increased demand for housing, may require conveyancers to adopt new technologies or streamlined workflows.

The recent Victorian Housing Statement stands as a beacon of hope in the face of Australia’s escalating housing crisis. Premier Daniel Andrews and the Victorian government’s ambitious plan to construct 800,000 homes over the next decade is a resounding call to action, promising increased accessibility to homeownership for all Victorians for years to come.

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