The Housing Industry Association has published its annual top 100 Australian builders report, with Metricon Homes taking out the title of the country’s largest builder two years running.

 

The HIA-Colorbond steel Housing 100 Report ranks the nation’s 100 top residential builders on the number of homes started each year, with Metricon recording 2,821 starts for the 2011/12 year. Despite retaining top spot, Metricon recorded a slump ins tarts from 3,060 in 2010/11.

 

Alcock/Brown Neaves Group was ranked the country’s second largest builder, posting 2,736 starts, up from 2,668 the previous year.

 

Western Australian builder BGC (Australia) came in third position, posting 2,692 starts, up from 2,435 the previous year.

 

The number of HOUSING 100 starts fell by 7.3 per cent to 48,130 in 2011/12, their lowest level since 1996/97. 

 

“This result is consistent with the overall experience of the industry in 2011/12 where new home building conditions weakened considerably across Australia,” said HIA Chief Economist, Harley Dale.

 

In 2011/12 the largest 100 builders started 35,909 houses (down 11 per cent from 40,183) and 12,221 units and townhouses (up 4 per cent from 11,720). 

 

Australia-wide housing starts, up slightly from 33 per cent in 2010/11, but below the historical average of 36 per cent.

 

“The  HOUSING 100 and  the entire industry  can deliver, and indeed Australia's residents have the requirement for, a considerably higher level of housing starts than has been evident over the last couple of years,” said Harley Dale.

 

“Within  an environment of subdued demand conditions, both unilateral and cooperative policy reform could generate a much healthier year for new home building in 2012/13. Sadly, evidence of the will to execute such policy action remains far slimmer than Australia requires,” Dr Dale added.