Australia’s labour shortage: The hidden risk in property maintenance

Property maintenance is only as strong as the people behind it. In 2025, Australia’s labour shortage is making that painfully clear.

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Dwelling commencements rose by 11.7% in Q1 2025, but completions lagged behind. The reason? Skilled trades are in short supply. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, the demand far outpaces availability, and job ads in some states are up nearly 50% above the national average.

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For property managers, this means longer wait times, rising costs, and higher risk of deferred maintenance. A single delayed repair can cascade into compliance breaches, tenant dissatisfaction, and strained budgets.

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The challenge is compounded in strata and commercial settings, where hundreds of tenants depend on reliable systems running smoothly. Managers must compete for trusted contractors in an increasingly tight market.

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The solution lies in planning. Securing reliable contractors through long term relationships, scheduling preventative maintenance early, and digitising compliance records are no longer “nice to haves”; they’re survival strategies.

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In an industry where one missed inspection can trigger thousands in fines, labour shortages aren’t just an HR issue. They’re a frontline property risk.