Labour Shortage Slows Australia’s Housing Targets Australia: Australia’s housing targets are facing pressure due to a shortage of skilled workers, as the country struggles to meet its construction goals. Around 18 months into the federal government’s five-year housing accord, the country is behind target by approximately 77,000 homes. The sector continues to rely on a workforce of around two million tradespeople, but additional labour is required to support planned housing de

Beijer Ref and Copeland Extend Distribution Agreement in ANZ Australia & New Zealand: Beijer Ref and Copeland have extended their exclusive distribution agreement for Copeland ZX condensing units across Australia and New Zealand. The agreement includes distribution through Beijer Ref Australia, Kirby HVAC&R, Patton NZ and SCM Ref Australia, and covers ZX condensing units manufactured in Asia, including the HLR (Horizontal Receiver Scroll Unit) and associated platform-specific

Iran Conflict Pushes Up Construction Costs and Disrupts Housing and Agriculture in Australia AUSTRALIA: The ongoing Iran war is driving significant economic pressure across Australia, particularly in construction and agriculture. Rising global fuel and material costs are increasing home building expenses, worsening the country’s housing shortage and threatening delivery of new housing targets. Builders and economists warn that affordability challenges may intensify if cost in

Nero Tapware Secures Exclusive Australian Distribution Rights for American Standard Bathroom Solutions AUSTRALIA: Nero Tapware has been appointed the exclusive Australian distributor for American Standard, expanding its presence beyond tapware and bathroom accessories into broader bathroom solutions. The partnership strengthens Nero’s product offering in the Australian market by adding a globally recognized brand with more than 150 years of heritage in bathroom innovation and

Australia Reports Rise in Housing Construction Amid Policy Debate Australia: Australian Bureau of Statistics released building activity data for the December quarter of 2025, reporting that the number of homes commencing construction during the year increased by 16.4 per cent compared to 2024. This included a 5.6 per cent rise in detached house commencements and a 35.3 per cent increase in multi-unit developments. The data indicates a recovery in housing construction, support

Roca Group Australia: Roca Group has opened a new Sydney Gallery in Surry Hills, Australia, bringing together its brands Laufen and Roca within a shared space. The facility is designed as a two level site in a heritage building and was developed by architecture firm DKO. The gallery integrates original architectural elements with modern design to present bathroom solutions focused on functionality, innovation and sustainability. The Sydney Gallery becomes part of the company

Reece Group Announces HY26 Results Amid Challenging Market Conditions Australia: Reece Group has reported its results for the first half of the 2026 financial year, reflecting housing market conditions across its operating regions. Group sales revenue increased by 6 per cent to AUD 4,648 million (USD 3,068 million), compared with AUD 4,402 million (USD 2,905 million) in the corresponding period of the previous year, supported by network expansion. On a like-for-like basis, sa

Daikin New Zealand To Open Christchurch Warehouse and Distribution Centre New Zealand: Daikin New Zealand is nearing completion of its second purpose-built facility in the country, with the new Daikin Park Christchurch warehouse and distribution centre intended to meet customer demand across the South Island. The facility will consolidate two existing Christchurch locations on a 7,870 square metre site in Hornby and will become a dedicated Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditi

Xiaomi Sets Sights on Australia’s US$3.7bn Air-Conditioning Market AUSTRALIA: Xiaomi is preparing a major push into Australia’s home appliance sector, targeting the fast-growing air-conditioning market valued at about US$3.7 billion in 2025. Backed by multi-million-dollar investments in its own manufacturing facilities, the company is shifting from an outsourced production model toward greater in-house control, with plans to internalise around 20% of air-conditioner manufactu

Australia Extends Apprenticeship Support for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Trades Australia: The Australian government has extended financial support for employers and apprentices in priority and clean energy occupations, including refrigeration and air conditioning, under the Key Apprenticeship Program. The updated measures will continue incentive payments through December 2026, with the programme supporting New Energy Apprenticeships and targeting workforce development

RICS Survey Signals Improved Construction Sentiment in Australia Australia: The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has reported improving conditions in Australia’s construction industry in 2025, led by private non-residential work and infrastructure and public projects. The latest Global Construction Monitor showed the Construction Sentiment Index rising to plus 21 from plus 15, returning to levels last seen in 2023. Infrastructure performance remained supported

South Australia and Federal Government Commit Funding for New Housing Programme Australia: The South Australian and federal governments have announced a joint housing programme valued at AUD 800 million (USD 530 million, EUR 490 million), which aims to deliver around 17,000 new homes across the state. Of this total, close to 7,000 homes are intended for first-home buyers. The initiative forms part of a wider federal commitment to increase housing supply nationally and include

Australia sees rise in dwelling construction activity Australia: Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that construction activity for new dwellings increased over the past year, though it remains below levels required to meet government housing targets. Dwelling commencements in the twelve months to September 2025 rose by 11.2 percent. The data indicates that housing demand continues to outpace supply, with delivery constraints identified as a key factor

Pre sale Finance Guarantee program Australia: The New South Wales Labor government has activated its US$ 685 million Pre sale Finance Guarantee program by supporting a 225 apartment mixed-use development in Rozelle, in Sydney's inner west. The US$ 195 million Rozelle Village redevelopment, located on the former Balmain Leagues Club site on Victoria Road, is the first project to receive backing under the scheme. The programme allows the state government to commit to presales f

Housing Project Australia: Construction has commenced on an US$ 85 million build to rent housing development in Eastwood, located just outside the Adelaide central business district. The Wirra Mikangka project will deliver 151 apartments across two buildings of nine and five storeys, with ground floor retail and hospitality space and shared gardens overlooking the city's southeastern parklands. Of the total apartments, 121 are allocated for people on low and moderate incomes,

Australia Construction Sector Australia: Global construction market intelligence firm Hubexo has released its 2026 Construction Outlook Report, outlining a period of recalibration for the Australian construction industry following several years of volatility, cost pressures, and capacity constraints. According to the report, the sector is entering 2026 in a reset phase, characterised by more disciplined project sequencing and a stronger focus on capacity management rather tha

Copeland to Acquire Bueno Analytics to Strengthen AI-Driven Building Solutions AUSTRALIA: Copeland has signed an agreement to acquire Australia-based Bueno Analytics, a provider of SaaS platforms using embedded AI and machine learning for building analytics, energy management and cold-chain operations. The acquisition will enhance Copeland’s digital and aftermarket portfolio by adding advanced capabilities such as predictive maintenance, energy optimization, leak detection an

Construction cost pressures delay projects in Western Australia Australia: Perth developments are facing delays as construction cost pressures continue to rise, according to Western Australia’s peak property industry body. Expectations that cost increases might stabilise have eased following new data indicating that pressures may intensify, contributing to a growing number of major projects being placed on hold. Industry representatives note that elevated input prices and lab

New Zealand residential construction rises in third quarter New Zealand: New Zealand’s residential building activity increased in the third quarter, indicating early signs of economic recovery following monetary stimulus by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Statistics New Zealand reported that the volume of residential building work rose 2.8 percent from the previous quarter, reversing a 3.3 percent decline. Activity has begun to edge higher from the four-year low recorded at

Australian building permits decline in October amid sector uncertainty Australia: The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a fall in building permits in October, with year-on-year growth shifting from 15.3 percent to minus 1.8 percent. The data points to a potential slowdown in the construction sector, raising concerns for developers and builders. Analysts note that the decline may reflect rising costs, supply chain constraints or shifts in consumer demand, and they are e