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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.
The Victorian government has introduced new rules for building surveyors including a new Form 26 and the requirement to lodge inspection records with councils. These new rules commence today - 1 September 2026.
“The fallout from recent federal changes to housing taxation and investment settings will see Victoria’s home building recovery delayed at least another year,” said HIA Executive Director, Keith Ryan.
Queensland’s housing market remains caught between strong underlying demand for homes and near-term economic conditions that are slowing new residential construction, according to Housing Industry Association Executive Director Queensland, Michael Roberts.
Discover the winners of the 2026 HIA SA Building Women Awards, recognising outstanding leadership, innovation, professionalism and achievement in construction.