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The Australian Bureau of Statistics today released its monthly building approvals data for July for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories.
“Total building approvals decreased by 8.1 per cent in the month of July, which was driven by a 19.9 per cent dip in multi-unit approvals. The decline in approvals for detached houses was far more modest, declining by only a 0.1 per cent in the month,” added Mr Devitt.
“The slower rate of decline for detached house approvals is a welcome development, as it follows a succession of material monthly declines since the interest rate tightening cycle began.
“Over the three months to July, detached house approvals are 16.2 per cent lower the same three-month period in 2022, while multi-unit approvals are 7.8 per cent lower.
“At these very low levels, monthly building approvals are bound to bounce and present a degree of volatility. It does not yet indicate a material change in market conditions which remain dampened.
“In context of the chronic shortage of housing there is a strong focus on improving the supply of new housing, however efforts to improve supply are yet to appear in the approvals data. The continued supply-demand imbalance has wide-ranging implications not only for the housing market but for the wider economy,” concluded Mr Devitt.
In seasonally adjusted terms, decreases were led by Victoria (-18.3 per cent), followed by Queensland (-5.5 per cent), Western Australia (-5.2 per cent), New South Wales (-4.7 per cent) and South Australia (-2.6 per cent). In original terms, the Northern Territory saw a decline of 26.3 per cent. Tasmania (+47.8 per cent) and the Australian Capital Territory (+52.6 per cent) saw monthly increases.
Earlier this year HIA made a comprehensive submission in response to the Building and Construction Industry Review, including a proposal to introduce registration of building inspectors engaged by consumer. The review also extended to council notification and the building inspection regime. Government has now progressed further consultation on these matters.
As 2025 draws to a close, we want to thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Following extensive HIA advocacy on the impact changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) is having on construction productivity and business red tape, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released a discussion paper seeking industry views on opportunities for modernising and reforming the NCC.
“Reforms to Queensland’s restrictions on new home building will see more new homes commencing construction, adding revenue to the state and Australian governments, and assisting the task of increasing housing stock,” said Tim Reardon, HIA Chief Economist.