Home builds have substantially increased in 2024 in WA, so much so that we’ve reached the highest level in more than seven years. And with more and more homes being built in WA, we tend to see new practices and approaches in construction gaining popularity, but which of these trends do we see likely to be the norm in the coming years? Let’s explore the home building trends in WA that we predict more homeowners will be adopting and taking into 2026.
Western Australian construction trends to look out for
1. Focus on sustainable building practices
A lot of WA homeowners are now being mindful of their construction choices, ensuring that they follow sustainable practices as much as they can. This is largely due to recent government-mandated NCC building requirements. But more than that, there’s also a rising awareness of environmental concerns locally.
As such, homes built in recent years tend to be built with eco-friendly materials. Western Australian construction trends point to an increase in the usage of materials that use recycled materials. Some brands saw an upsurge in popularity because of this, including NewTechWood and Select Insulation, which engineer their products from recycled or reclaimed materials.
Aside from simply choosing sustainable materials in their build, homeowners, engineers, and builders are now also choosing building materials from companies that do their share for the environment. As a result, Industry staples like James Hardie continue to be a popular choice for many as they minimise waste in their manufacturing processes.
This trend benefits not only homeowners but also the world. And we’ll likely see this choice becoming a habit in 2026 and beyond.
2. Energy efficiency as a priority
As mentioned earlier, the newly imposed NCC requirements have pushed more WA homeowners to adopt an environmentally-friendly mindset when building their homes. But aside from that, this mandate also helped inform a lot of homeowners on the importance of energy efficiency, both environmentally and economically.
The new NCC regulations require WA homes to meet a 7-star thermal performance rating under NatHERS and meet a whole-of-home annual energy budget.
High-quality insulation from brands like Bradford Insulation helps keep homes cool during summer and warm during winter.
To cut utility costs and emissions, new homes are investing in passive design, as well as building materials that contribute to energy efficiency. This includes choosing high-quality insulation materials as well as substrates and external cladding that can help regulate indoor temperatures.
Simply preventing heat loss during cold months is no longer enough. With that, insulation like Bradford, Kingspan, Select Insulation Ecowool and more have become top choices, as they can maintain a stable indoor temperature no matter the season.
3. Adopting innovation & tech
Homeowners in WA are now also looking to build their homes with technology, not just with smart home appliances but also in terms of planning techniques and actual construction. Technologies like drone surveying and advanced 3D modelling are now used in construction.
Building materials-wise, builders and contractors are now choosing innovative materials. Investing years in research and development, top brands like Nasahi, James Hardie, NewTechWood, and more have each come up with their own proprietary technology to improve the durability and features of their products. Now, more homeowners are choosing such construction materials for their guaranteed longevity.
4. Emphasis on safety
Safety has always been a priority for homeowners looking to build homes that will provide shelter for their families for decades to come. And with technological advancements in construction material manufacturing, as well as evolving building standards, this aspect of homebuilding is becoming more important than ever.
Specialised materials for safety, like fire-rated building materials from Siniat, are increasingly sought after by homeowners in WA.
2026 home building trends will continue to see the use of materials engineered specifically for protection. Sturdy and enduring materials will always be preferred, but more than that, homeowners will also be seeking more specialised materials. For those in BAL-rated areas in WA, substrates, cladding, and decking with high fire ratings are becoming non-negotiables.
Perth homeowners are also now seeking hypoallergenic building materials to ensure the health and safety of their contractors and family. Even better if the materials inhibit bacterial growth and are easy to clean.
5. Shift to adaptable, open living spaces
Design-wise, Western Australian construction trends point to more homes adopting open spaces. We see more multi-purpose areas, combining living, dining, and kitchen into one large open space. Homeowners now want more flexibility to maximise the functionality of their spaces based on their family size and changing lifestyles.
With open floor plans becoming the norm, more care is taken when constructing the home. Aside from designing zones with a purpose in mind, homeowners also place importance on the flow and comfort of their home. As a result, more have been investing in acoustic performance. Commonly placed in home offices or entertainment areas, acoustic building materials are also now placed in open spaces. These help absorb sounds like echoes, reducing distractions and ensuring clear communication at home.
6. Embracing outdoor living
WA’s breathtaking landscapes, as well as its generally sunny climate, make it unsurprising that more local homes are revamping their outdoor areas. In recent years, we’ve seen more living and dining areas alfresco. To boost their curb appeal and improve the relaxing ambience, homeowners are turning to modern cladding designs and sophisticated decking.
But more than just aesthetics and following decking and cladding trends, newer homes are pioritising materials that can withstand WA’s diverse climate. This means ensuring it can withstand sunny days and rainy days without fading or deteriorating. Colours are also now an important consideration. In 2026, we foresee more homeowners picking out cladding and decking colours based on their durability against Perth’s red dust and salty coastal sprays.
Build Future-Ready Homes with Westgyp
Staying on top of 2026 home building trends, whilst ensuring longevity, is important when designing and constructing homes. Whether you’re aiming to build an energy-efficient home in Perth, or a fire-resistant one in bushfire-prone areas, ensure your building homes that would stand the test of time with quality, innovative building materials from Westgyp.
For over 30 years, we’ve been helping homeowners, DIYers, and builders in WA find the best building materials based on their budget and needs. From acoustic or eco-friendly home insulation to fibre cement or composite decking and cladding, we have everything you’ll need for a home build, ready to ship in WA. Visit our Balcatta showroom to learn more about our products available on hand.