Australia urgently needs 1.2 million new homes in the next five years — and the Housing Industry Association (HIA) believes “gentle density” could be the key.

Gentle density refers to medium-density housing like townhouses, duplexes, and micro-lots, built within existing suburbs to boost supply without compromising community character.
HIA Executive Director of Planning, Mike Hermon, says: “Australia’s housing crisis is at a tipping point, and one of the answers lies in embracing gentle density to unlock the missing middle housing solutions.”

Instead of relying solely on costly greenfield development at the urban fringe, HIA proposes smart infill in well-serviced suburbs. Current zoning laws are outdated, often limiting options to either high-rise apartments or large detached homes.

The HIA is calling for streamlined approvals and more flexible planning to support diverse housing where infrastructure already exists — near jobs, schools, and public transport.
It’s a strategic step toward fixing the housing crisis without sacrificing the livability of our suburbs.