A skills shortage is constraining home building: Here are the latest ideas to fix it 

As the federal election approaches, both major parties have unveiled plans to tackle Australia’s skills shortage, aiming to boost home building across the nation. 

The Housing Industry Association’s recent skills mapping assessment found a significant shortfall of over 83,000 trade workers needed to achieve Australia’s 1.2 million new homes target.  

According to the analysis, to meet this goal, the country needs an additional 22,000 carpenters, 17,000 electricians, 12,000 plumbers, 5,000 bricklayers and 3,000 concreters. 

“Put simply, if we don’t have the tradies coming through the 1.2 million homes target will be a pipe dream,” HIA managing director Jocelyn Martin said. 

Both Labor and the Coalition have put forward several housing policies, including new initiatives to address skill shortages in the home building sector. 

Labor plans to invest $78 million to quickly qualify 6000 tradies to boost home building. Picture: Getty

Labor’s plan to fast-track qualifications 

Labor announced it will invest $78 million to fast track the qualification of 6000 tradies to build more homes across Australia, if re-elected this year.  

The funding will establish the Advanced Entry Trades Training program to help underqualified workers get the qualifications they need for their work.  

This includes current industry workers without apprenticeships and skilled migrants in Australia whose qualifications are unrecognised.

The program will support these workers to gain formal qualifications through recognition of prior learning and targeted training delivered by TAFEs and other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).  

By helping these 6000 tradies, Labor says it will help reach its goal to build 1.2 million new homes in five years. It will also help deliver its recent election commitment to build 100,000 homes for first-home buyers.  

The program is expected to start in 2026. 

The Coalition pledges a $260 million investment to establish 12 Australian technical colleges. Picture: Getty

According to analysis from construction body Master Builders Australia, for every new qualified tradie, an extra 2.4 homes can be built, and this program would fast-track that goal.  

“When seeking to attract more skilled trades into Australia, it’s crucial to also look at the talented individuals already here who are stuck in limbo because of an overly complex system. This funding will help remove those barriers,” Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said. 

“It’s great to see the program will be delivered not just through TAFEs but also high-quality RTOs across the country. These providers are essential to ensuring the training is flexible, fast, and accessible.” 

The Coalition’s network of technical colleges  

An elected Coalition government aims to invest $260 million to deliver 12 Australian technical colleges, to encourage more people into trades.  

Technical colleges are specialist skills schools for students in years 10-12 or 11-12, who are enrolled in a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship as well as academic and business courses that lead to a Year 12 certificate.  

These colleges would roll out across the country, but initially the Coalition plans to roll these out first in regions with skills shortages.   

The announcement follows the Coalition’s proposal for a mortgage tax deduction for first-home buyers of new homes and its plans to accelerate approvals for new housing projects.

Master Builders Australia welcomed the measure but said it is important for the initiative to complement existing school-based and other vocational educational pathways.  

“Technical colleges play an important part of the skills education mix and support students in learning the necessary skills to start a career in building and construction, while not giving up the opportunity to attain the high school certificate,” Ms Wawn said.  

“Over the next five years, the industry will require more than 500,000 new entrants to replace those retiring and to expand its workforce sufficiently to meet future housing and infrastructure needs. 

“While the industry supports efforts to re-introduce an Australian Technical College model, this must not be at the expense of other measures like free VET.” 

Are you interested in buying and building new? Check out our New Homes section. 

The post A skills shortage is constraining home building: Here are the latest ideas to fix it  appeared first on realestate.com.au.

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Luxe living: Five multimillion-dollar penthouses on offer in Australia

From majestic city skylines to serene coastal vistas, these are some of the country’s most luxurious penthouse offerings.  

Across the country, topping off many of the country’s apartment complexes, lie an exclusive type of dwelling that always conjures interest and intrigue: the penthouse. 

Why are do they seem so secretive? Perhaps it’s because they tower above everyone else. No catching a glimpse over a hedge of someone’s luxury lifestyle here. Penthouses are nestled high above bustling cities and streets, offering a private lifestyle lived high above it all. 

Some are merely larger apartments that can cater to families with bigger spatial needs. Others are multimillion-dollar residences that offer a combination of elegance, luxury and jaw-dropping views.  

Right now, in Australia, some of the most luxurious penthouses that will top the skylines of cities and towns are now under construction. Get a glimpse of five of the most expensive off-the-plan apartments currently on the market below. 

1. Rivière Residences, Western Australia 

Situated in the riverside Perth suburb of Applecross, Rivière Residences stand as a beacon of luxurious living.

This penthouse features herringbone timber flooring and Gaggenau kitchen appliances. Picture: realestate.com.au

Developed by Edge Visionary Living, this development offers penthouses with views of the Swan River, Kings Park and the Darling Scarp.  

Comprising four-bedrooms, three-bathrooms across a 569sqm floorplan, one penthouse’s commitment to detail is next to none from herringbone timber flooring to Gaggenau kitchen appliances.  

Residents also have access to a 25m heated infinity pool, temperature-controlled wine cellar and a Gold Class-style cinema, all in the comfort of their own home 

Currently under construction, this luxury residence is expected to sell from $14.75 million.  

2. Broadway on the Bay, Western Australia  

Positioned on the tranquil riverfront of Crawley in western Perth, Broadway on the Bay offers an exceptional blend of nature and luxury.  

This penthouse overlooks the Swan River and is set against the JH Abrahams Reserve parklands. Picture: realestate.com.au

Edge Visionary Living’s development is set against the stunning parklands of JH Abrahams Reserve and offers one final available penthouse with vistas of the Swan River.  

Set across a 385sqm floorplan, this penthouse features three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The open-plan kitchen, living, and dining spaces maximise views while offering ample storage, Gaggenau appliances, and a Vintec underbench wine fridge.  

Other luxury touches include a smart home automation system, an EV charging station, and even little details like a Zip Tap for boiling, chilled and sparkling water. 

With construction anticipated to wrap up later this year, this penthouse is expected to attract figures above $9 million. 

3. Vista, Queensland 

Overlooking Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, the new complex called Vista, by MRCB, spans 51 levels and features apartments, penthouses, sub-penthouses and townhomes. 

This oceanview residence is designed to maximise space and functionality. Picture: realestate.com.au

One such penthouse exemplifies coastal luxury, with a floorplan of five-bedrooms, a study and four bathrooms.  

This oceanview residence is designed to optimise space and functionality, ensuring residents enjoy views and natural airflow throughout.  

Just a short walk north to the vibrant Surfers Paradise and south to Broadbeach, Vista offers access to all the delights of city and coastal life.  

Planned to commence construction in 2025, this penthouse is expected to sell exceeding $20 million. 

4. Kirribilli Harbour, New South Wales 

Nestled near the iconic heart of Sydney, Kirribilli Harbour offers urban elegance by the water’s edge.  

This penthouse features luxury touches like heated marble floors and travertine-framed fireplaces. Picture: realestate.com.au

Developed by Made Property and brought to market by CBRE, these residences are underpinned by premier design and finishes.  

Kirribilli Harbour’s penthouse offers three bedrooms, a study and three bathrooms, with luxury finishes such as heated marble floors and fireplaces framed by travertine mantels.

Gourmet kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances and customisable stone island benches. The ensuite features walk-through wardrobes with bespoke Italian leather shelving.  

This penthouse is expected to sell for over $22 million.  

5. Hall and Campbell, New South Wales 

Located in one of Sydney’s iconic locales, Hall & Campbell is perfect for those who long for coastal living without compromising on luxury.

This penthouse’s interiors are crafted by the renowned design firm Richard Stanisich. Picture: realestate.com.au

This four-bedroom penthouse, a collaboration between Capitel and Rebel Property and marketed by CBRE, offers a stunning retreat with outlooks over Bondi Beach. 

The interiors, designed by renowned design firm Richard Stanisich, feature rich oak timber floors complemented by striato travertine, stone mosaics and astor nickel trims.  

At the heart of the home is a spiral staircase, bridging the dual levels. The kitchens, equipped with European appliances, are bathed in sunlight, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining.  

Beyond the walls of the penthouse, residents have access to wellness facilities of the Bondi Pacific and the vast amenities along the Bondi promenade. The anticipated price for this penthouse is around $20 million. 

Are you interested in luxury off-the-plan properties? Check out our New Homes section. 

The post Luxe living: Five multimillion-dollar penthouses on offer in Australia appeared first on realestate.com.au.

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What to know as you start out as a real estate team admin

The best administrative assistants don’t just keep things running — they elevate the entire team’s performance, coach Verl Workman writes.

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How to leverage YouTube to go from contact to contract in 17 days

Jimmy Burgess outlines a content marketing plan that has helped agent Noah Escobar go from new lead to under contract in an average of 17 days.

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6 concrete tips for crafting a cohesive content calendar for 2025

You don’t need to plan every post months in advance, but you do need a system that aligns with your goals, reflects your expertise and gives you space to show up with clarity, Alyssa Stalker writes.

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Tap into the growing numbers of buyers insisting on upgrades

Smart home improvements make all the difference between a listing that slowly sells and one that truly stands out in the market, team leader Carl Medford writes.

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Zillow’s ‘new standards’ reveal a big problem. Take back our industry

The longer real estate professionals let Zillow define the rules, the harder it becomes to take our industry back, coach Darryl Davis writes.

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Consolidated Analytics is moving modern appraisals from an “art” to a “science”

Modern appraisals are going through a mid-life crisis. They aren’t quite the delicate, subjective art form that they used to be, and technology is now a must-have for appraisers.

The appraisal industry is taking on a data-driven mindset in 2025. Traditionally, appraisals are mostly subjective, which equates to a “because I said so” approach that leaves a little too much room for error and bias. As such, companies are making moves to improve accuracy and efficiency, marking a massive shift from the old-school line of thinking when it comes to appraisals. They’re integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as computer vision and bias detection technology.

In this executive conversation, HousingWire’s Content Studio sits down with Jeffrey Rauland, Chief Appraiser and SVP of Data and Analytics at Consolidated Analytics. During this discussion, Rauland explores the company’s approach to modern appraisals and the market dynamics.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. To start the conversation, Rauland dives into the dynamics of the modern appraisal market.

Moving appraisals from “art” to “science“

HousingWire: When you hear the word “modernization” in appraisal, what comes to mind?

Jeffrey Rauland: Modernization means different things, depending on who you’re talking to. From my perspective, as someone running an AMC, I see modernization as moving from an art to a science. Historically, much appraisal work was based on “Because I said so.” The GSEs push us toward, “Because the data says so.”

Harnessing the power of computer vision for better accuracy

HW: Can you give an example of what that shift from “art to science” looks like in practice?

Rauland: One great example is computer vision. The GSEs are already ingesting floor plans, listing photos, and public data. Let’s say an appraiser reports there’s no fireplace, but the computer vision sees a chimney and a mantle in the photos. That gets flagged. So, it’s not just theoretical anymore — it’s being used today to verify what’s in the report and catch discrepancies.

Balancing innovation and tradition as a modern AMC

HW: How does modernization impact your work specifically as an AMC?

Rauland: It puts us in an interesting position. On one hand, some lenders are ready to move fast and adopt every new tool. Meanwhile, others are slower and more traditional. On the other hand, we’re trying to stay ahead of the GSEs.

We act as a bridge between lenders, appraisers, and the agencies, meaning we have to balance a lot.

UAD redesign: Unlocking your potential with structured data

HW: What excites you the most about the UAD redesign or the new tools coming out?

Rauland: From a tech perspective, it’s exciting. We’re shifting from parsing PDFs and unstructured data to working with structured datasets — unlocking possibilities like AI tools, large language models, and smarter validation.

We’re already testing these internally. The goal isn’t to replace appraisers. It’s to help them present their work with greater transparency and accuracy.

Why “showing your work” matters when using AI-powered appraisals

HW: You mentioned “showing your work.” Can you expand on that?

Rauland: Think of it like a professor who gives you the answers but still asks you to show your work. These tools suggest the most probable composition or value range, but the appraisers still maintain the autonomy to say, “No — here’s why.”

The key is that appraisers must explain their reasoning clearly, keeping human judgment at the forefront.

Cutting revision rates down to size with streamlined appraisal processes

HW: What’s one opportunity you’re focused on right now that could improve things across the board?

Rauland: Reducing revision rates is a priority, and revisions are expensive for everyone. Everyone hates them. Many revisions stem from small issues that could’ve been caught earlier.

Everyone wins if we can improve upfront quality control and address these issues before the report is sent out.

Eliminating early errors and bias with AI-powered QC tools

HW: Are you using any new tools or methods to catch those issues early?

Rauland: We’re experimenting with several things — AI-based validation checks, smarter photo reviews, and language models to flag vague or inconsistent commentary.

Again, it’s not about replacing people. It’s about catching 80% of issues that don’t require deep judgment. That way, the appraiser can focus on the stuff that needs their expertise.

Rauland also comments on how Consolidated Analytics uses AI tools to eliminate biased language.

Rauland: We’re integrating these tools into our platforms. For example, our system uses natural language processing to scan appraisal reports for potentially biased language, flagging instances for human review.

If something like “white appliances” is flagged but harmless, we train the bot to learn from that context.

Exploring Consolidated Analytics’ tech initiatives

HW: You’ve acquired Real Info and built proprietary tools. How is this positioning you as a leader in the appraisal space?

Rauland: Real Info was an early player in AVMs since the 1990s. They provided sales and assessor data, and we’re now expanding into market analysis and building AI-powered AVMs. One key project is our bias detection tool. It works like an AVM but focuses on identifying bias in appraisals.

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Chris Kelly on taking the reins at HomeServices, Compass chatter

Kelly is diving into his role as HomeServices’ CEO at a challenging time, but he told Inman he’s ready to get to work. He dished on private listings, Zillow and those Compass acquisition rumors.

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Smarter subservicing: Elevating efficiency & customer experience

Lenders face constant pressures to scale their operations while maintaining profitability. Growing and retaining a servicing portfolio helps to maintain and diversify the revenue of a mortgage company, but it isn’t always the sole way to increase productivity.

That’s where mortgage subservicers come in. Subservicers take over administrative tasks, leaving you and your organization time to focus on client relationships, portfolio building and long-term organizational growth. Partnering with the right mortgage subservicer can enhance operational effectiveness while reducing expenses, ensuring regulatory compliance and focusing on company-wide expansion.

The benefits of a subservicer

Subservicers are crucial to cost-saving by handling the complex and costly processes of loan servicing. By outsourcing operational duties, businesses are uniquely positioned to reap the benefits of specialized subservicers.

Improve cost and time efficiency. Subservicers can reduce overhead costs and training time by taking responsibility for a wide range of tasks. In-house servicing requires significant investments in staff, technology, and training. By outsourcing to a subservicer, lenders can limit their expenditures while maintaining service quality. These savings can be redirected to priorities like marketing or team expansion, fueling long-term growth.

Access specialized industry expertise. Subservicers are well-equipped to manage loan portfolios and navigate the complexities of loan servicing. From overseeing escrow accounts to payment processing, subservicers are experts in providing efficient and high-quality experience. Partnering with a specialized subservicer ensures that loan portfolios are managed accurately while meeting the unique needs of borrowers.

Ensure compliance. The regulatory landscape is constantly evolving, making compliance a complex task for lenders. Subservicers are equipped with compliance monitoring tools to stay ahead of these changes, ensuring that loan servicing complies with new industry standards.

Maximize portfolio with flexibility and proficiency. Subservicers offer flexibility to manage shifting loan volumes, ensuring operations remain efficient regardless of portfolio size. Subservicers can easily scale operations to accommodate an increase or decrease in loan servicing demand, providing lenders with the flexibility necessary to adapt to market changes. Inside Mortgage Finance found in 2021 that, despite a severe drop in origination volume, subservicing volume rose to $4.16 trillion. Scalability capacity is vital, as it allows lenders to focus exclusively on growing a portfolio without having to expand their operation team simultaneously.

Gain a competitive advantage. As subservicers handle day-to-day tasks in managing loans, they provide lenders with access to programs and operations that may not otherwise be available in-house. They use sophisticated platforms with real-time reporting and analytics, offering lenders a technological advantage. By leveraging a subservicer’s technology, lenders can provide seamless borrower experience without having to invest time and resources into a system of their own.

Asking the right questions

When deciding on a subservicer to partner with, choosing the right fit is essential to an organization’s long-term vitality. Lenders considering a subservicer collaboration must ensure there is a strong cultural alignment, as well as a plan for growth to remain competitive. Lenders should consider the following questions when selecting a subservicer:

  • Evaluate their industry experience. What is their track record? Do they have success in managing a diverse portfolio, as well as servicing the types of loans in your portfolio?
  • Assess technological capabilities. Do they leverage user-friendly technologies for both borrowers and lenders? Can they be integrated into your existing systems seamlessly?
  • Audit compliance support. What kind of experience does the subservicer have in monitoring regulations on the federal, state and local levels? Can they provide transparent reporting?
  • Understand their scalability. Do they have the infrastructure and capacity to meet the needs of your lenders and your borrowers? Can they adapt to the market conditions without sacrificing the quality of service?
  • Review customer service approach. What kind of customer service competencies does the subservicer offer? Do they provide performance metrics?

The subservicer advantage

Building and leveraging partnerships with the right mortgage subservicer allows lenders to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and stay compliant in today’s complex regulatory environment. Lenders seeking to optimize their strategies and maintain a competitive edge have an opportunity to benefit from a partnership with a specialized subservicer. These collaborations not only ensure high-quality service, but also free up resources for core business growth.

Morgan Wise CPA is the Chief Financial Officer at Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group.This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.

To contact the editor responsible for this piece: zeb@hwmedia.com.

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