China, Trump and tradies: confronting Australian home building's great uncertainties
From the haphazard policy on the run emanating from the United States, to China's declining economy and domestic challenges, Australia's prospects of building enough homes remain in the balance.
Construction cost escalation is expected to remain high, with trends varying across state markets. (Image source: Shutterstock.com)
Despite worsening conditions since the previous quarter, there is hope for Australia’s construction sector.
The Reserve Bank’s recent cash rate cut to 4.1 per cent – its first since 2020 – offers a modest boost to the sluggish housing market.
While this may ease financing costs for construction firms in the short term, the softening of the labour market will slow the rate of escalation in some sectors.
The Trump administration’s tariffs have l…
