The Truth About Immigration & Housing Supply

Population growth and migration are often at the centre of Australia’s housing affordability debate. But are we blaming the right thing? In this clip, David unpacks why migration remains vital for Australia’s long-term prosperity, even while it’s contributed to short-term pressures like inflation and housing shortages. He explains why the optimal migration number is closer to 1% of the population—around 270,000 people per year—and why steady, disciplined growth delivers better economic outcomes than flat or declining population numbers. The conversation also highlights the need for skills matching—making sure migration programs target shortages like trades and critical services, rather than adding pressure without addressing real needs. This is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the bigger picture on how population, housing, and the economy all intersect. *Timestamps:* 00:00 – Why population & migration are blamed for housing issues 00:34 – Why migration remains vital for prosperity 01:02 – The “optimal” migration number: 1% of population 01:23 – How COVID created a surge & housing pressure 02:00 – Skills matching: fixing shortages like trades P.S. This is just a snippet from our 559 | What Do US & China’s Tariffs Mean for Aussie Property Investors? For the full scoop, check it out here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/ep559-us-china-tariffs-property-investors/ P.P.S. And feel free to send in your questions here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/ We would love to answer them on the show! #PopulationGrowth #Migration #HousingAffordability #Economy #ThePropertyCouch #Investing #Australia population growth Australia housing, migration and prosperity, immigration Australia 2025, net migration target 270,000, housing affordability migration, skills shortage Australia migration, David economist interview