100,000 Approved Homes: So Why Aren't They Being Built?

For years, Australia's housing crisis has been framed as a simple supply problem: cut planning red tape, approve more developments, and housing affordability will improve. But what if we've been solving the wrong problem all along? In this episode, urban economist and town planner Tim Sneesby joins Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates to challenge one of the most widely accepted narratives in Australian property. Drawing on his experience in planning, urban economics, and public policy, Tim unpacks why planning regulations may not be the primary barrier to housing delivery. Together, they explore why more than 100,000 approved homes in New South Wales remain unbuilt, what developer feasibility has to do with housing supply, and why interest rates, financial markets, and broader economic conditions may have a far greater influence on affordability than planning reform alone. The conversation also dives into the NSW Government's planning reforms, including low and mid-rise housing policies, transport-oriented development, and the growing debate between state-led rezoning and strategic local planning. Tim explains why blanket upzoning may not deliver the housing outcomes governments are hoping for, and why infrastructure, long-term planning, and genuine affordable housing should be part of the conversation if Australia is serious about tackling its housing affordability crisis. Whether you're a property investor, home buyer, industry professional, or simply trying to make sense of Australia's housing debate, this episode offers a fresh perspective on one of the country's biggest policy challenges. If you've ever wondered why housing remains so expensive despite years of planning reform, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and help you see the bigger picture. Episode Highlights: 01:50 – Meet the Expert Challenging Housing Myths 08:56 – What's Really Driving House Prices? 16:47 – Is NIMBYism Really Blocking Housing? 19:55 – A Better Alternative to Blanket Rezoning 23:09 – The Affordable Housing Catch 30:46 – The Truth About Infill vs Greenfield 34:56 – Why Interest Rates Matter More Than Supply 36:26 – What Really Drives Housing Demand? 39:02 – The Hidden Labour Crisis Behind Housing 43:00 – Why Equity Keeps Driving Property Prices 47:06 – Why Developers Can't Build Everything 49:04 – Why Approved Projects Never Get Built 52:09 – Is Australia's Housing Crisis Misdiagnosed? 55:49 – When Planning Reform Creates More Uncertainty 👥About the Guest👥 Tim Sneesby is an *urban economist, town planner*, and planning policy expert with extensive experience across local government, strategic planning, and urban economics. Having worked in both the public and private sectors, Tim brings a unique perspective to Australia's housing debate, combining practical experience in development assessment with a deep understanding of the economic forces shaping cities and housing markets. Currently serving as *Manager of Town Planning at a Sydney council*, Tim also teaches urban economics at the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney. Recognised as a former Australian Young Planner of the Year, he is widely respected for challenging conventional thinking around housing affordability, planning reform, and urban policy through evidence-based analysis and practical insight. Passionate about creating better cities and better housing outcomes, Tim advocates for strategic planning that balances housing supply, infrastructure, affordability, and long-term community outcomes rather than relying on simplified policy solutions. 🔗Connect with Tim🔗 E-mail | Tim Sneesby – [email protected] Resources 🌐 Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au 📩 If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: 🎧 The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - [email protected] 🔎 Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au 🤝 Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au 🔎 Looking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.au 🤝 Work with Chris: [email protected] Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! 🔔Subscribe on YouTube:    / @theelephantintheroom-podcast   🔔Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast... 🔔Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3r0nnJr...