The Elephant in the Room
The property podcast for the thinking person.

Episodes

Episode 445: 100,000 Approved Homes: So Why Aren't They Being Built?

For years, housing affordability Australia has been at the centre of political debate, with one solution repeated time and again: cut planning red tape, approve more developments, and build more homes.

The assumption is simple—boost housing supply and affordability will follow. But if that's true, why are more than 100,000 approved homes in New South Wales still sitting unbuilt? And does building more houses reduce house prices, or is the Australian housing crisis far more complex than we've been led to believe?

In this episode, urban economist and town planner Tim Sneesby challenges one of the most widely accepted narratives in Australian property. Drawing on his experience across local government, urban economics, and strategic planning, Tim explains why planning reform alone won't solve the housing affordability crisis. Instead, he explores how developer feasibility, construction costs, financing, and interest rates often have a much greater influence on whether approved projects actually get built than planning approvals themselves.

Tim also examines how planning laws affect housing affordability, unpacking the NSW Government's planning reforms, blanket rezoning policies, and the push for greater housing density around transport hubs. Rather than arguing against new housing, he makes the case for strategic, place-based planning that delivers well-designed communities alongside the infrastructure needed to support long-term growth. The conversation also explores the realities of property development, labour shortages, and why planning regulations and housing supply are only one part of a much bigger economic picture.

Throughout the discussion, Tim challenges listeners to rethink one of the biggest assumptions in Australia's property market: Is housing supply really causing Australia's housing crisis? From the financialisation of housing to the economic forces that shape prices, he explains why affordability cannot be solved by increasing supply alone and why governments may need to rethink the way they approach housing policy.

Listen now to discover why housing affordability Australia is about far more than planning reform, what really drives housing supply, and why understanding the economics behind property development is essential if we're serious about creating more affordable homes and better cities for future generations.

Episode Highlights

01:50 – Meet the Expert Challenging Housing Myths
08:56 – What's Really Driving House Prices?
16:47 – Is NIMBYism Really Blocking Housing?
19:55 – A Better Alternative to Blanket Rezoning
23:09 – The Affordable Housing Catch
30:46 – The Truth About Infill vs Greenfield
34:56 – Why Interest Rates Matter More Than Supply
36:26 – What Really Drives Housing Demand?
39:02 – The Hidden Labour Crisis Behind Housing
43:00 – Why Equity Keeps Driving Property Prices
47:06 – Why Developers Can't Build Everything
49:04 – Why Approved Projects Never Get Built
52:09 – Is Australia's Housing Crisis Misdiagnosed?
55:49 – When Planning Reform Creates More Uncertainty

About the Guest

Tim Sneesby is an urban economist, town planner, and planning policy expert with extensive experience across local government, strategic planning, and urban economics. Having worked in both the public and private sectors, Tim brings a unique perspective to Australia's housing debate, combining practical experience in development assessment with a deep understanding of the economic forces shaping cities and housing markets.

Currently serving as Manager of Town Planning at a Sydney council, Tim also teaches urban economics at the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney. Recognised as a former Australian Young Planner of the Year, he is widely respected for challenging conventional thinking around housing affordability, planning reform, and urban policy through evidence-based analysis and practical insight.

Passionate about creating better cities and better housing outcomes, Tim advocates for strategic planning that balances housing supply, infrastructure, affordability, and long-term community outcomes rather than relying on simplified policy solutions.

Connect with Tim

Resources:

Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!

Chris Bates