Migrants hit by housing crisis call for awareness around regulations and hidden costs

migrant community hit hard as housing constructions face major delays..jpg

Bikramjit Singh and his family outside their house, which took five years to complete. Credit: Supplied by Mr Bikramjit Singh

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Amid the ongoing housing crisis, some migrants are calling for awareness programs for new Australians to ensure they fully understand the hidden costs and regulations involved in buying and building homes.

Key Points

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Zubair, a migrant from Pakistan, bought a block of land in 2021. He says that when he signed the agreement, he was told construction would begin in 2023.

Four years later, in mid-2025, he had only just received the handover, and construction began in June 2025.

"We kept on hearing the same statement, “the delay is due to unforeseen circumstances”. No one explained to us what it meant or when we would get the land we were promised," Zubair told SBS Punjabi.

"My family faced losses as we kept paying rent while awaiting council approvals."

Zubair, a migrant from Pakistan. Credit: Supplied by Mr Zubair

“Now, construction costs are also higher than before — about $40,000 more than it would have been in 2023. It’s a double whammy for us," he said.

Zubair is not alone in facing these circumstances.

The latest report by the Productivity Commission reveals that fewer houses are being built per hour in Australia in 2025, as compared to 1995.

For migrants taking a second shot at life in a new country, delayed housing means financial and emotional losses. Many delay calling their ageing parents to join them or planning their own family until they have their 'own home'.

Bikramjit singh and his family in their new home..jpg

Bikramjit singh and his family in their new home. Credit: Supplied by Mr Singh

Bikramjit Singh said that having his own home carried “emotional and cultural significance” for him. These factors kept him going even as his house took nearly five years to complete.

Mr Singh started building his house in 2020 and moved in in 2025.

I have lost all my savings in the process. Now we are living pay cheque to pay cheque.
Bikramjit Singh

"The cost of building has also increased exponentially during the process," he said.

The Productivity Commission's report suggests that the average time taken to complete new housing has increased significantly in recent years.

The government had earlier pledged to build 1.2 million homes over five years. To meet this target, 240,000 homes would need to be built each year. However, in the 12 months to June 2024, only 176,000 homes were completed.

Mr Singh said navigating the housing market alone was not easy.

One wrong selection in your housing journey can financially set you off for years.
Bikramjit Singh

'License more trades'

Builder and property consultant Parmeet Jassal believes that delays in getting approvals from the council and a shortage of tradies are key issues behind the housing crisis.

Builder and property consultant Parmeet Jassal Credit: Supplied by Mr Singh

"Barring plumbing and electrician work, all trades are non-licensed. If a trade is licensed, people can be held accountable. More trades need to be brought under the licensing," said Mr Jassal.

"Councils, too, should be penalised if they take too long to decide. If we can have deadlines on our work, why can it not work the other way round?"

Master Builders Australia claims that the time taken to build residential homes has increased by up to 80 per cent over the last 15 years. While the construction costs have increased by 40 per cent in the last five years.

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