An Election Wishlist: Cut Housing Red Tape and Support Mum and Dad Developers
Perth, WA - March 14th, 2025 - There are calls from within the housing industry for the major parties to make a stronger commitment to cutting red tape as a way to support ‘mum and dad’ developers, and immediately address the housing crisis
Just weeks out from the state election, Perth building broker Mike King says not enough is being done to speed up development approvals - a move which could see a backlog of properties hit the market this year.
“The whole system is bogged down with red tape, and while that of course impacts the larger developer, the one really hurt is the ‘mum and dad’ developer who decides it’s not worth the struggle,” according to Mr King.
“Mum and dad developers are the key to solving the housing crisis. They’re everyday West Australians who could create more housing if the government made it easier and more affordable to do so.”
As a broker at Malaga-based Better Way 2 Build, Mr King says time and time again he has seen property owners with large blocks who would have been willing to subdivide but were put off by the complex and costly approval process.
“In one case, a client wanted to build a triplex on a well-sized block, but current government rules only allow them to first subdivide it into two. Only after completing that subdivision can they further divide the larger block, incurring additional fees. The process is enough to put them off the development altogether."
“On top of that, subdivision approvals have pushed out from around seven months to 12 to 18 months. That’s far too long when we desperately need these homes on the market now.”
Mr. King’s calls reflect a broader push to streamline regulations nationwide. A recent Productivity Commission report found policymakers are failing to strike the right balance between the benefits and costs of regulation.
WA’s new residential design codes (R-codes) are a perfect example of that, according to Mr King.
“The State Government talks about the need for more affordable housing, yet R-codes are driving up construction costs by as much as $50,000. Addressing those costs would immediately make these homes more affordable.”
Mr King is also calling for the major parties to commit to updating the First Home Owners’ Grant, if they win the next election.
“The $750,000 home value limit is outdated – it needs to be more dynamic to keep pace with changing conditions, and right now, that means a realistic increase,” said Mr King.
Key Reforms Needed:
Fast-track subdivision approvals: Reduce processing times from 18 months to under six months by allocating more resources to planning departments.
Eliminate costly barriers to development: Simplify the titling process and allow triplex developments without multiple expensive approvals.
Relax residential design guidelines: Simplify R-codes to reduce unnecessary construction costs.
Update the First Home Buyers Scheme: Raise the eligibility threshold to reflect today’s market conditions.
“What the government is doing now is not enough; they’re releasing blocks to be developed that won’t be ready for two to three years – that’s two to three years too late,” Mr King said.
“So, whether it’s Labor or Liberal in power after the March 8 election, let’s see some housing reform that makes a real and immediate difference.”
With 30 years’ experience in the building industry, Mike King founded Better Way 2 Build in 2021 after recognising a gap in the market for helping people navigate through each stage of the building process – from planning to finance to handover. Better Way 2 Build brings together a trusted group of industry experts to advocate for their clients and ensure that every project is handled with the highest level of expertise and integrity.
About Better Way 2 Build
Better Way 2 Build are Perth-based building brokers, and we help people who are building a new home get through the complicated and sometimes risky process of building a new home. We walk alongside our clients right throughout their home-building journey and support them from initial planning through to the completion of their new home. We coordinate their home construction process, so they sleep easy at night knowing they’ll get a top-quality home at the best possible price, delivered on schedule. Here at Better Way 2 Build, we go the extra mile to understand your unique requirements, including your budget and ideal design. Our values are a big part of who we are, so we commit to listening before we talk and delivering what we promise. We’re your trusted advocate as you go through the significant investment of building a new home. We’re professional independent building consultants who work for you. We aren’t affiliated with any builders and are there to give you unbiased advice about the design and build of your new home. Our mission is to reduce the stress of building a new home and help you get value for money. Because we’re experienced in the home building industry, we also know the pitfalls to watch out for. Our services are paid for by the builder, so our time and expertise come at no extra cost to you. This means your home will cost the same, or even less than you’d pay directly to a builder. Plus, you get peace of mind knowing you have an experienced and independent building expert in your corner throughout the building process.
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