{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2026 Australian Home of the Year Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Hunter & Central Coast housing approvals 2023

Media release

Hunter & Central Coast housing approvals 2023

Media release
The latest ABS figures on new home approvals indicate that home building activity across the Hunter and Central Coast cooled slightly in 2023, reported the Housing Industry Association.

“In 2023 total dwelling approvals in the Hunter fell 7.4 per cent, while on the Central Coast total dwelling approvals fell 2.9 per cent compared to the 2022 calendar year,” said Craig Jennion, HIA Hunter Executive Director.  

“This in contrast to all states and territories that saw a greater decline in the 2023 calendar year. Nationally total approvals fell 15.4 per cent, while in NSW approvals fell 17.7 per cent. 

“There was a total of 4,786 building approvals across the Hunter in 2023 and 1,586 on the Central Coast.  Combined this is 6.3 per cent weaker than in 2022, and 15.2 per cent lower than 2021.  It is 12 per cent lower than the pre covid year of 2018.

“In the Hunter detached homes remained the preference for home buyers, accounting for 55.6 per cent of all approvals.  This is despite a 17.7 per cent increase in multi-unit approvals.  On the Central Coast the mix was more even, with multi-unit approvals remaining a slight preference, accounting for 50.2 percent of all approvals. 

“Much of the heavy lifting for the residential sector continues to occur in the statistical areas of Central Coast, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Cessnock. These top locations for approvals accounting for 89.5 per cent of total approvals”, said Mr Jennion.

“Regionally Newcastle was the biggest mover with total housing approvals increasing by 114 per cent. Detached dwelling approvals increased 16 per cent while multi-unit approvals increased by 159 per cent.  Strong approvals in the December Quarter 2023 assisted this result. 

“The value of approved major renovations and alterations increased in 2023, with Hunter approvals increasing by 10.7 per cent to $306.2 million and the Central Coast increasing by 2.9 per cent to $165.2 million.  

“Looking ahead, residential building activity will remain strong on the back of the pipeline of work approved over the past two years, however the impact of increases in interest rates and construction costs has impacted consumer confidence for detached dwellings. 
As a result, further growth in multi-unit approvals is expected in the coming years supported by strong intrastate migration.  

“Pleasingly, the relative affordability advantages the region has over other locations will support continued demand for new homes, ensuring the important contribution residential construction provides the local economy continues,” concluded Mr Jennion. 

Source: ABS Building Approvals

For more information please contact:

Craig Jennion

Executive Director - Hunter
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
22 May
Missing Middle planning reforms progress but tax settings still threaten delivery

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the ACT Government’s decision to progress the Missing Middle Housing reforms. This is a critical step toward increasing housing supply and improving housing choice across Canberra.

22 May
Update The Federal budget and Housing Supply

The Federal Budget 2026 introduces the most significant structural changes to housing taxation in decades. As the implications of the Budget became a little clearer this week, HIA’s Chief Economist, Tim Reardon and I have put together this summary

22 May
Review of Australia's Mutual Recognition Schemes for Workers

HIA responded to the Consultation Paper on the Review of Australia’s Mutual Recognition Schemes for Workers which details the Council’s interim findings on barriers to a single national market for workers supported by the mutual recognition framework and triggers the second round of consultation associated with the review.

21 May
Matter: MS2026/1 – one month review of the Road Transport Contractual Chain Supply Order

HIA provided this further submission to inform the Expert Panel’s first review of the Road Transport Contracting Chain Order made on 28 April 2026.