The peak body Master Builders NT says the increased activity and renewed confidence is on the back of the introduction of the Northern Territory Government’s HomeGrown Territory and FreshStart grants.

MBNT says the market has seen clear year-on-year improvement particularly following the introduction of the grants.

Requests for Fidelity Fund coverage one of the strongest indicators of residential building activity in the Territory continues to increase, with 2026 already tracking ahead of 2025.

Building approvals increased by a health 36 per cent between September 2024 and March 2026.

Master Builders NT said furthermore, this doesn’t capture all new dwellings in the NT since 2024, which has seen an increase 46.7 per cent and demonstrates there is movement and growing confidence returning to the residential market.

The latest NT Property Sector Quarterly Report also shows the Territory property market has shifted from recovery to momentum,

Property Council NT Executive Director Ruth Palmer said the December quarter data confirmed what Territorians were already feeling on the ground, demand is running ahead of housing supply.

Master Builders NT CEO Sallyann Innes said the construction industry is extremely pleased the NT Government had extended both grants through to September 2027.

Such has been the grants success economists KPMG has called for its extension into 2028.

“The decision as a strong signal of confidence in the Territory housing market and local construction industry,” Ms Innes said.

“These grants are helping Territorians build homes, supporting local businesses and creating work for tradies, suppliers and apprentices right across the Territory.

“Builders are seeing increased inquiries, increased activity and renewed confidence flowing through the sector.”

“Northern Territory construction industry faces unique operating conditions compared to larger eastern states markets, including higher freight costs, workforce pressures, and the complexities of building across remote and regional areas.”

“That is why Territory-specific policies matter.

“The HomeGrown and FreshStart grants are practical measures that are helping keep the industry moving and supporting broader economic activity.”

“There remains significant opportunity to continue strengthening the sector through ongoing land release, enabling infrastructure and timely titling processes to ensure the pipeline continues growing.

“There is absolutely more we can and should be doing to grow housing supply and continue building momentum.

“But the important point is that we are seeing positive movement in the market, and these grants are playing a real role in helping drive that activity across the Territory.”

Ms Palmer echoed similar sentiments.

“Through 2025, we saw approvals lift, rents rise, prices strengthen and confidence return. By December, the report shows a market that is resilient, but constrained by one issue above all others, housing supply,” Ms Palmer said.

“We need to keep backing the private sector to invest.”