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BRISBANE’S confidence in the building industry has remained steady during the December 2013 quarter, according to findings by Master Builders.
The Survey of Industry Conditions has shown a strong upturn in the city’s residential sector, despite trading conditions remaining far from positive.
Deputy executive director Paul Bidwell says it follows steady growth in residential building and finance approvals over the past few months.
“For the first time in several years, the level of building industry confidence in South East Queensland is well above levels in regional Queensland, underlining the resurgence of the South East as the powerhouse of the Queensland building industry,” he says.
“While trading conditions in the residential and commercial sectors in most regions of Queensland are still far from positive, the latest survey results reflect a strong upturn during the December quarter in many regions, particularly in the residential sector.”
The snapshot of the city shows most builders have seen an increase in profitability and improved turnover – with a few businesses reporting a shortage of skilled workers.
“These latest survey results support Master Builders’ prediction that the industry will continue in a positive trajectory as long as the environment of low interest rates and employment growth is maintained.”
The level of demand remains the most critical constraint on business development in Brisbane.
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