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
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.
The Victorian Parliament has passed the Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill, which makes some of the most substantial changes to planning and environment legislation since the Planning and Environment Act introduced in 1987.
The Victorian government has released, for public comment, details of the proposed Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR) for home builders to maintain registration. They will be enforced by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC).
“HIA welcomes the passing of planning reform legislation yesterday but claims by the Victorian government these reforms ‘back builders’ and will deliver more homes are premature,” stated HIA Victorian Executive Director, Keith Ryan.
Our Annual Regional Meeting of Members (ARMM) is set for 25th February 2026 at 7.30am.