“In order to turn these figures around we need market certainty coupled with steps to support consumer confidence to move buyers off the sidelines. Without that, we will continue to see record-low home sales and this will have significant employment and economic impacts across the region – and undermine future starts and supply,” said Justin Sherwood, Chief Operating Officer at BILD. “In the long-term, permanent and structural change is needed, but in the short-term, the federal government can kickstart activity by moving quickly on their commitments to reduce development charges (DCs) and provide certainty on tax measures. At this time, it is vital that governments work with speed and urgency to help support consumer confidence and revitalize activity in the market through policy changes that address government-added costs to new homes.”