Infrastructure humps likely to curb housing targets

Continued high cost of materials is expected to curtail the national target for new housing. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia needs to build more homes - and fast - but the outlook for construction is souring rather than improving. 

Leading economists have downgraded expectations for dwelling construction, with the political focus shifting to infrastructure - roads, water pipes and powerlines - as the chief culprit holding back housing supply.