Why is there so much construction in Canberra?

There is a housing shortage crisis in Australia due to recent migration; there are not enough houses to cater to the population across the country.

What are the 5 stages of construction?

1. Design and approvals

2. Contracts and negotiations

3. Foundation and framing

4. Internal fitouts

5. handover and defect

What is the setback for building in Canberra?

In Canberra, setbacks differ by block size and zoning. However, a general requirement of a typical RZ1 area is that the dwelling front setback is a minimum of 6 meters, and the rear setback of single-storey buildings is also 3 meters. The side setback depends on the block size and height of the building. There are also special rules in other cases of zoning, such as second-storey or multi-unit developments. So, it is important to consult the appropriate Canberra zoning requirements about your property.

How much does it cost to build in Canberra?

It is more expensive compared to Sydney and Melbourne, but for a single storey, you can expect $2,300-2,500 per square meter.

What is the maximum building height in Canberra?

It depends on the slope of the natural ground and the height of your house. Generally, you need to consider the Solar shadowing impact and visual privacy of neighbouring properties.

What does a construction manager do?

They manage the project from start to finish. Design for handover. They ensure the project is delivered on time and to quality expectations and manage all suppliers, trades, and coordinate authority approvals.

What skills are essential for a construction manager in Canberra?

Degree qualified, Builder’s License, has undergone multiple projects from start to finish with an experienced project manager. He should understand the sequencing of construction activities, understand blueprints/architectural plans, and their physical implementation. Moreover, he ensures structurally sound practices when they are responsible for building.

Are there specific regulations for construction sites in Canberra?

There are multiple. It starts from the National Construction Codes (NCC) and generally includes various Australian Standards, which the relevant trades and suppliers need to follow in their respective scope of work

What are the required safety measures on a Canberra construction site?

• At a minimum, a hard hat, high-visibility vest, protective gloves, and glasses.

• White Card, Asbestos Awareness card, and crystalline silica awareness card.

Do construction workers need permits to work in the ACT?

Yes, depending on the work they are doing and the machinery they will be operating, such as an Electrician needs to be certified and have their license card, or a boom or crane operator needs to have the license and training to operate that machinery.

Can construction managers use technology to improve efficiency?

Yes, they can make use of Microsoft Project to sequence construction activities and understand dependencies of various tasks, and the total time required for the project.

• Some use Excel or cost tracking software to manage their project budget

• CRM software is now being used to keep clients informed and also manage business operations

What are the typical project lifecycles in construction?

• For single-storey houses, we can generally complete them in 6-7 months, or double in 9-10 months.

• Internal fitouts are quicker and can range from 6-8 weeks

What are the worker density limits on construction sites?

If the site is managed well and kept clean, with clear passages for workers, there is generally no limit. To mitigate conflicts, we recommend minimising 2 different trades working in the same area.

Are clients allowed to visit construction sites for inspections?

Yes, we allow this as we like to work collaboratively with our clients and work together to achieve a good outcome.

What role does a COVID Marshal play on a construction site?

They regularly monitor if correct COVID procedures are being implemented or followed on site, ensuring correct sanitation and cleaning processes.

What is the current demand for construction activity in Australia?

There is a really big demand surfacing now, due to a combination of recent mass immigration and government-stimulated interest rate reliefs, combined with Government initiatives of allowing 5% downpayment mortgages.

What is the breakdown of construction expenditure by sector?

The most recent figures for construction work done in the June quarter of 2025 show that building construction and engineering construction have very similar values.

• Total Construction Work Done: $76.1 billion

• Building Construction: $39.0 billion

• Engineering Construction: $37.1 billion

How much public investment is there in buildings?

• Generally, the larger multi-storey buildings are owned and managed by large Superfunds and Trust funds, which provide a return on investment to their investors.

• The smaller residential apartments are built and sold by larger developers to generate income and grow their business

What percentage of the overall construction market is public spending?

• The Government, particularly the Department of Defence, contributes very large amounts towards construction activity at its bases and estate upkeep.

• Local Governments are currently spending large amounts on creating new suburbs, airports, highways and roads, infrastructure, hospitals, and schools. They generally partner with private companies in a Public-Private Partnership for long-term benefit to both, without much upfront Government spending.

What is the current outlook for the Australian construction market?

It has gone from very slow to now an influx of housing due to the shortage and recent slowdowns. The people need affordable houses, and they need them fast. Government, especially the NSW Government, is now fast-tracking methods for getting quicker turnaround times for authority approvals.

How has government investment in infrastructure changed recently?

Over the last few years, government investment in Canberra's infrastructure has been marked by a record-high spending program by the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government and increased collaboration with the Australian federal government. This has resulted in significant funding for projects focused on transport, housing, health, and renewable energy.

What are the trends in building approvals in Australia?

There is currently a problem with very slow government approvals, due to changing rules and lots of red tape policies. The Government has recently announced a pause to changes in the National Construction Codes, to assist builders in fast-tracking construction.

What are the trends in building commencements?

Currently, as construction prices are high, and land prices are also steep, the trend is towards low-cost, small housing, or duplex / multi housing on larger blocks. This allows a better return on investment.

How has the value of building work changed?

As land and construction costs have risen due to global uncertainty and trade wars, the costs of construction have risen as well; thus, overall construction costs are rising.

What impact do labour costs have on construction projects?

Labour costs are the main driver of construction costs. We try to use good quality trades that are cost-effective to help us minimise costs to the owner/client.

What are the main segments of the Australian construction industry workforce?

• Trades

• Suppliers

• Builders

• Designers/architects

• Engineers

• Developers

What is the average salary in the Canberra construction management sector?

What is the average salary in the Canberra construction management sector is $120-150k a year.

What are some of the key risks facing the construction industry in Canberra?

• Cost uncertainty and labour shortage

• Slow Governmental approvals

• Bankruptcy and maintaining cash flow

How confident is the industry about scaling up operations?

While the market has experienced a downturn over the last few years, it is now picking up the pace, especially in the residential market, to make up for the Housing crisis in Australia.

What are the long-term trends in the construction industry productivity?

• 3D printed buildings/ houses

• Prefabricated panels, assembled on site

• Lower-cost materials that are durable

What is the role of environmental regulations in Canberra construction?

To protect the ACT environment from negative impacts throughout construction, including Tree protection, stormwater mixing with construction waste.

What are the key sustainability trends in the construction market?

NATHers (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) 7.0 rating for residential houses is now a Government requirement, which requires natural sunlight to all living spaces, double-glazed windows, and energy-efficient materials.

How are outsourcing costs affecting the construction industry?

• It is mainly in the design and engineering side where overseas outsourcing is occurring. Construction is still being done locally.

• Windows and joinery materials are now being provided for cheaper prices from China, which is a good option for larger projects

What are some challenges and opportunities in the Canberra construction market?

The challenges associated with the construction market in Canberra have been the continuing skills labor deficits, increasing material and financing prices, and an overall decline in the residential market. Nevertheless, the market is also highly promising due to the current governmental investments in the infrastructure, high attention to sustainability, and the opportunity of technological advancements to enhance productivity.

What role do building certifications like Green Star and NABERS play?

NATHers is more relevant in the ACT. A 7.0 star rating is required, and each residential house is required to undergo a rating process and approval before construction and building approval.