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The Australian Bureau of Statistics today released its monthly building approvals data for January 2024 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories.
“Detached home building approvals fell by 9.6 per cent in the month of January 2024. This decline leaves approvals 5.3 per cent lower in the three-month period to January compared to the previous year,” added Mr Reardon.
“Multi-unit approvals have increased by 14.5 per cent in January from very low volumes in the previous month. The three-month period to January saw multi-unit approvals decline by 15.4 per cent compared to the previous year.
“The low volume of building approvals throughout 2023 will see the volume of homes commencing construction continue to slow this year. The rise in the cash rate is the primary cause of this slowdown in approvals.
“Approvals have declined across all jurisdictions, however, there is an increasing divergence among the jurisdictions as the rise in the cash rate falls disproportionately on those markets with higher land costs,” concluded Mr Reardon.
In seasonally adjusted terms, dwelling approvals in the three months to January increased only in Western Australia, up by 26.4 per cent compared to the previous year. Other jurisdictions saw declines in approvals, led by Tasmania (-29.8 per cent), followed by the Northern Territory (-26.0 per cent), New South Wales (-17.6 per cent), South Australia (-13.4 per cent), Victoria (-12.2 per cent) Queensland (-10.0 per cent), and the Australian Capital Territory (-3.9 per cent).
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.