Australia’s 5-Year Housing Surge & Skilled Migration Boost in Construction

In the first half of 2025, PRD’s latest Smart Moves: Capital City Editions report confirms what many have already observed: Australia’s housing shortage remains a central issue across capital city markets. Rising rents and record-low vacancy rates are placing growing pressure on housing supply nationwide.

In response, the federal and state governments have activated an ambitious five-year national housing and infrastructure strategy—creating fresh opportunities for skilled migrants, vocational students, and property investors alike.

Nationwide Build Push, with a Major Skills Shortage in Construction

According to housing agreements and state budget projections, between 2024 and 2029:

• The federal government aims to deliver 1.2 million new homes across five years
• States like Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales have set aggressive annual targets
• Focus areas include affordable housing, social housing, and regional development

This translates into an urgent demand for construction and civil trades professionals, such as:

• Carpenters, bricklayers, steel fixers, electricians, and plumbers
• Civil engineers, building surveyors, site managers, and project engineers
• TAFE-qualified trades workers and apprentices

Policy Support in Full Swing: Skilled Migration + Financial Incentives

To address workforce shortages and meet housing targets, Australia has rolled out several key policy measures:

Skilled Migration Priority

• Construction occupations are now on the Priority Processing List, with faster invitations for PR visas (e.g. subclass 189 and 190)
• Many states have added building trades to their State Nomination lists, with relatively low entry thresholds

Support for Apprentices

• Selected TAFE construction programs offer free or subsidised tuition
• Apprentices may qualify for dual wage subsidies from both state and federal governments

Attracting Overseas Talent

• New Relocation Grants and fast-tracked visa pathways are being offered
• Specifically designed to attract experienced international construction workers to live and work in Australia

Where’s the Opportunity? Migration, Study, and Property in Sync

For those looking to build a long-term future in Australia, the next five years present a unique alignment of policy and market opportunity:

• Skilled migrants: Strong PR prospects in construction; consider state nomination or regional pathways like the subclass 491
• Vocational students: Studying construction or engineering-related qualifications leads to migration pathways with high demand
• Homebuyers/investors: Early entry into outer growth areas can ride the wave of future infrastructure and capital growth

As Australia accelerates its national building agenda, construction professionals are facing unprecedented demand and incentives. With priority visa processing, occupation list advantages, government subsidies, and relocation support, the next five years represent a pivotal window for skilled migration and settlement.

If you have any questions or would like professional assistance, please feel free to contact us at Riverwood Migration (Email: [email protected]). We are committed to providing transparent, expert migration services to help you achieve your dream of moving to Australia.