How this WA couple cut their build time in half amid housing crisis

Amidst Western Australia's housing crisis, a local couple has halved their home construction timeline by embracing a less conventional building method. Anke and Graham Hoskins are on track to move into their timber-frame home in less than nine months, a stark contrast to the 12 to 18 months typically required for a double-brick house in the region.

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The conventional logic and advice was that we should 'just build what the market expects'. However, as we were building for ourselves to live in, we were happy and determined not to bend to conventional logic and go ahead regardless.

The Hoskinses were advised to follow the market's preference for double-brick construction. However, they were determined to build a home for themselves and opted for a highly insulated, wooden-framed structure. "The conventional logic and advice was that we should 'just build what the market expects'," Mr. Hoskins explained. "However, as we were building for ourselves to live in, we were happy and determined not to bend to conventional logic and go ahead regardless."

Their decision challenges the long-standing dominance of double-brick homes in Western Australia. Master Builders WA notes that the state's sandy soil provides a stable foundation, making brick construction more cost-effective compared to other Australian states. Furthermore, large-scale brick manufacturers contribute to these economies of scale.

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WA has gone from building 11,000 homes in 2020 to building 22,000 homes five years later.

Despite the prevalence of brick, alternative methods like steel-frame and modular construction now represent over 25 percent of the market, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA) WA. A 2025 HIA report indicated that Western Australia is unique, with over half of its detached houses built of brick, compared to just 2 percent in the ACT. The report also highlighted that home buyers rarely specify framing materials, with decisions heavily influenced by builders and engineers, prioritizing longevity and cost over material choice.

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Builders report that home buyers rarely express preferences or demonstrate detailed knowledge of structural systems. While clients value longevity and cost, framing materials are seldom a point of competitive differentiation in the market.