{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Economic research & forecasting Economics Housing outlook Economic reports & data Tailored market research Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance Construction legal expenses insurance Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services How can safety solutions help you? Independent site inspections Solutions for your business Contracts Online HIA Tradepass HIA SafeScan Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Professional services Industrial relations Member savings Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes 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 Falls from heights Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects COVID-19 Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom and design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
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 2023 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA products
HIA products $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Shop @ HIA Digital Australian Standards Contracts Online Shipping & delivery Purchasing T&Cs See all Products Purchase NCC 2022 Building codes & standards Economic reports Hard copy contracts Guides & manuals
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

Detached building approvals lift in October

Media release

Detached building approvals lift in October

Media release
Detached building approvals are continuing to sustain healthy levels, above those seen pre-COVID

The Australian Bureau of Statistics today released its monthly building approvals data for detached and multi-units data covering all states and territories.

“Approvals for detached homes in the three months to October 2021 increased by 5.6 per cent compared with the same period in the previous year,” added Mr Devitt.

“Ongoing strong sales and approvals numbers continue to confirm that detached home building will remain elevated throughout 2022. A change in consumer preference is now the main force driving this demand.

“The value of renovations approved also remains elevated. The last 12 months has seen the value of renovations approved increase by 37.3 per cent on the previous year. 

“Multi-unit approvals numbers have been solid in recent months but fell away sharply in October with a 36.1 per cent decline. Multi-unit approvals in New South Wales and Victoria fell by 48.6 per cent and 15.8 per cent respectively, in the month of October. The sharp decline in multi-unit approvals in October could be an implication of the lockdowns in Sydney and Melbourne earlier in the year. 

“Despite this, multi-unit starts in the last three months were 24.0 per cent higher than at the same time the previous year when COVID adversely impacted the multi-unit market. 

“The multi-units market depends heavily on overseas migrants, tourists and students. The re-opening of international borders is crucial to the prospects of this sector,” concluded Mr Devitt.

In seasonally adjusted terms, total residential building approvals increased in the three months to October 2021 compared to the same time in 2020 in most states. New South Wales led the pack (+28.1 per cent), followed by South Australia (+20.7 per cent), Queensland (+8.3 per cent), and Victoria (+6.7 per cent). Declines occurred in Western Australia (-5.7 per cent) and Tasmania (-19.3 per cent). In original terms, building approvals increased in the Australian Capital Territory (+38.5 per cent) and declined in the Northern Territory (-50.8 per cent).

Monthly Building Approvals - Australia
Monthly Building Approvals - Australia - source: ABS 8731

For more information please contact:

Thomas Devitt

HIA Senior Economist

Tim Reardon

HIA Chief Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
24 Apr
Victoria should not accept mediocre Housing Scorecard result

HIA has released its Housing Scorecard. Once again Victoria is underperforming. With the Victorian State Budget next month there is also a risk that unnecessary tax increases will entrench this poor outcome.

24 Apr
Cuts to taxes on housing will be increasingly necessary to improve housing supply as interest rates remain high

“Today’s CPI figures are likely to see interest rates remain high for longer as inflation becomes increasingly embedded in the economy,” stated HIA’s Chief Economist, Tim Reardon

23 Apr
South Australia tops Housing Scorecard again

“South Australia has once again taken out the top spot in HIA’s Housing Scorecard,” stated Stephen Knight, HIA Executive Director.

18 Apr
BASIX transition - Modified or incomplete contracts are ineligible

Building contracts that have been modified or have information missing may be ineligible for the BASIX Transition.

HIA-COLORBOND® steel Housing 100

Review the latest activities, market share and statistics of Australia’s largest homebuilders and residential developers.

Trades Report

Understand the availability of skilled trades and the costs associated on both a national and state level.

HIA Kitchens and Bathrooms Report

Understand the current and future forecasts for the kitchen and bathroom industries.

New Home Sales Report

Understand the current new home sales and construction activity each month.

Housing Australia's future

Understand the future of housing in Australia with this comprehensive report on population and growth.

HIA Stamp Duty Watch

Understand the latest developments in stamp duty on home purchases.