Queensland's real estate lobby says people are too afraid to point out that unions are driving up the cost of housing, but an economist says that while wage growth is a contributing factor, so too are growing material costs, labour shortages and excessive government regulations.

In short: The Real Estate Institute of Queensland says high-paying government projects are pushing up the cost of construction.

An economist says growing wages are a contributing factor, but growing material costs, labour shortages, and excessive government regulations are in the way of development.

What’s next?: The government has vowed to build 55,000 social houses by the year 2046.

Crazy how the wealthiest people in society are all those over paid tradies