Supporting the Productivity Commission's density push: Why three-storey homes fix supply

Backers of the Productivity Commission's plan argue that it is the most realistic way to tackle Australia's housing shortage. By making three-storey homes the default, the plan could quickly add millions of dwellings without waiting for lengthy rezonings. This would ease price pressure in both rental and ownership markets. Supporters point to successful examples in cities like Vancouver, where similar zoning changes boosted supply without destroying livability. They say the plan also promotes more sustainable, walkable suburbs by reducing urban sprawl. For young families and first-home buyers, more medium-density options could mean a chance to live in established areas near jobs and transport. Developers would have certainty to invest, speeding up construction. The plan also removes the power of local councils to block new housing due to NIMBYism, which supporters see as a major barrier. While some character changes are inevitable, backers argue that the status quo of unaffordable housing is far worse. The Commission's proposal is a necessary step toward a fairer, more accessible housing market.