Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Enter your details below and create a login
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
“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.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) says the Victorian results in the HIA National Housing Accord Update released yesterday, while not as poor as some other states, highlight the urgent need for a reset in housing policy after the upcoming state election.
HIA’s annual Safety Summit is being held today in Adelaide (8 October) and will bring together industry leaders, regulators and workplace safety experts, providing practical guidance to help residential builders and tradies create safer worksites and support compliance in an ever-changing world.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is calling on the Australian Taxation Office and Federal Government to reverse the decision to cease accepting credit card payments from 30 November, warning the change needs to be viewed against the cumulative financial pressure already confronting residential building businesses.
“Housing commencements rose in the year to June 2026, but the latest data reflects yesterday's market, not the conditions facing builders today,” stated HIA Executive Director Victoria, Keith Ryan.