Collier Homes Collapses Amid Industry Pressure
Collier Homes, a Perth-based residential building company established in 1959, has entered liquidation. This latest collapse adds to the growing list of building companies struggling nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company's demise is attributed to the mounting pressure on the home construction industry. A surge in post-COVID costs coupled with fixed-price contracts has left many builders financially vulnerable.
One Collier Homes customer, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the unfinished work at his property. He stated that construction began nearly three years ago, with only a fraction of the work completed.
Home Builders Action Group chairman Jason Janssen confirmed that seven homes remained incomplete. He emphasized the significant personal cost to Mr. Amara and the lack of government support.
Janssen believes the outcome could have been avoided with access to the government's interest-free loan scheme. He also criticized the post-COVID stimulus measures, claiming they contributed to the current industry pressure.
Commerce Minister Sue Ellery acknowledged the stress caused to affected individuals but denied government fault. She emphasized that builders made commercial choices and that the government did not require them to take on more than they could handle.
Ellery highlighted the Home Building Assistance scheme, which provides grants to builders for finishing near-completion builds stalled by banks.
Collier Homes previously entered liquidation in 2017 but was revived by Mr. Amara. However, the current economic climate proved too challenging for the company to overcome.