Economic News

Australian Home Owner Development Activity

Home owner development activity can be measured quantitatively and qualitatively.

Home owner activity could include:

1. New residential buildings/new homes
2. Alterations/rejuvenations
3. Additions/renovations
4. Maintenance and repairs of property
5. Nil maintenance and repairs.

New Homes

This activity is measured by the Australian Burea of Statistics (ABS).  See  

• ABS 8752.0 – Building Activity, Australia and look for trend estimates of new residential building

Alterations/Rejuvenations

This might include superficial resurfacing of kitchens, bathrooms and other rooms in a dwelling.  e.g. replace carpets, other flooring, blinds, painting,  light fittings, other internal fittings, landscaping, reticulation and other minor external work.  Generally any minor works over the value of $7000 requires a work permit from the Local Government Authority. See statistics:

• ABS 8752.0 – Building Activity, Australia and look for trend estimates of alterations and additions to residential building.
• Local Government Authority or Local Suburb Development Approvals.  Go direct to the specific LGA

Additions/Renovations

This includes extending rooms, adding new rooms or other construction work carried out.  This type of work usually requires building applications and permits from the Local Government Authority and other relevant authorities. See statistics:

• ABS 8752.0 – Building Activity, Australia and look for trend estimates of alterations and additions to residential building
• Local Government Authority or Local Suburb Development Approvals.  Go direct to the specific LGA

Maintenance and repairs of property

This is not measured and your local area real estate agent professional should be able to tell you where the well maintained properties are.  A long standing successful local area agent should have their finger on the pulse and know where the best properties are. Find real estate agents Australia wide.

Nil maintenance and repairs.

This is not measured and your local area real estate agent professional should be able to tell you where the poorly maintained properties are. A long standing successful local area agent should have their finger on the pulse and know where the run down properties are. Just find a local area specialist and ask them. Find real estate agents Australia wide.