Greek Australian Real estate coach Tom Panos has sparked debate by blaming tradespeople and developers for exacerbating Australia’s housing crisis.
Skyrocketing costs and shrinking supply are pushing buyers out of the market. In a pair of Instagram videos posted last week, Panos argued that inflated tradie wages and developers’ reluctance to build are the real culprits behind the nation’s housing woes.
“Let’s be clear—it’s not a housing problem, it’s a construction problem,” Panos declared. He highlighted a 40-50% surge in building costs compared to a few years ago, alongside approval delays averaging 40%. “No developer is rushing to sign a contract,” he said, noting that land and resale values no longer justify the expense. The Property Council of Australia backs this up, reporting a 30% rise in construction costs since pre-Covid levels in 2025.
Panos singled out tradespeople, claiming their high pay demands are stalling projects. “I heard a bricklayer today say he expects $900 a day—that’s the norm now. You can’t find tradies,” he said, adding that many work independently for better rates. Meanwhile, developers face a labor shortage and slim margins, deterring new builds.
He acknowledged recent NSW legislation, greenlit by most Sydney councils, that cuts red tape by allowing duplexes on smaller lots—12m frontages and 400sqm blocks, down from 15m and 600sqm. “It’s easier now, but that’s not the issue—finding people to do the work,” Panos stressed. “Australia’s construction costs are three to five times higher than elsewhere. We need incentives for developers.”
Using a self-made table aided by ChatGPT, Panos estimated Australian construction costs at $14,000 to $18,794 per square meter, dwarfing the $5,480 to $6,100 range he cited for the UK, USA, and Canada. “A brickie’s on a grand a day,” he said. “Add building delays and risk, and developers won’t bite.”
The comments ignited a backlash from tradies online. “You charge one percent per house sale—more than $900 daily. What makes you special?” one fired back. Another defended the trade: “Good bricklayers earn every cent for back-breaking work that lasts 100 years.” A third shifted blame: “Bureaucracy, government fees, and taxes are the real problem across every sector.”
Panos’ take has struck a nerve, exposing tensions between rising costs, labor demands, and a strained housing market.