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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).
“Australia’s population reached 27.4 million by the end of 2024, up by 445,900 people, or 1.7 per cent for the year,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Tom Devitt.
The Tasmanian election that no-one wanted to have is in full swing, and while the limited campaign period is unlikely to provide the usual platform to promote key policies and reforms, HIA is calling on both major parties to prioritise housing policies given the significant challenges across the state.
“Our dated and complex planning system is littered with speed bumps that could easily be removed”, said Brad Armitage, HIA NSW Executive Director.
“The Victorian government’s proposal to update home building contract laws to make them fit for use in the 21st century is welcomed by HIA,” stated HIA Executive Director, Keith Ryan.