UK, Australia, Victoria revise ambitious housing targets amid challenges

Labour's ambitious goal of constructing 1.5 million homes during the parliamentary term is facing significant hurdles, with a recent decline in completed house builds and a warning from experts about planning inefficiencies and labor shortages. Data shows that housebuilding activity is at its lowest in a year, with only 41,220 homes completed in the last quarter, mainly due to planning permission delays. In Australia, the Albanese government has set a target of 1.2 million homes over five years, but current construction levels are falling short, leading to skepticism about meeting these goals. Meanwhile, Victoria's government aims for 2.24 million homes by 2051, although they have faced challenges in meeting previous targets, with reports of significant shortfalls and adjustments to housing targets in some Melbourne suburbs. Overall, both the UK and Australian governments are grappling with the complexities of housing supply and the need for effective planning reforms to achieve their respective targets. Local councils are urged to collaborate more effectively with governments to navigate these challenges and enhance housing availability.