{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2026 Australian Home of the Year Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Building approvals fall a further 1 per cent in January

Media release

Building approvals fall a further 1 per cent in January

Media release
“Approvals have been declining since the first increase in the cash rate in mid-2022 and this trend appears to be continuing into the start of 2024. Building approvals nationally fell by a further 1.0 per cent in the month of January 2024,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.

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).

Monthly Building Approvals - Australia, 3 Month rolling average

Source: ABS

For more information please contact:

Tim Reardon

HIA Chief Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
22 May
Missing Middle planning reforms progress but tax settings still threaten delivery

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the ACT Government’s decision to progress the Missing Middle Housing reforms. This is a critical step toward increasing housing supply and improving housing choice across Canberra.

22 May
Update The Federal budget and Housing Supply

The Federal Budget 2026 introduces the most significant structural changes to housing taxation in decades. As the implications of the Budget became a little clearer this week, HIA’s Chief Economist, Tim Reardon and I have put together this summary

22 May
Review of Australia's Mutual Recognition Schemes for Workers

HIA responded to the Consultation Paper on the Review of Australia’s Mutual Recognition Schemes for Workers which details the Council’s interim findings on barriers to a single national market for workers supported by the mutual recognition framework and triggers the second round of consultation associated with the review.

21 May
Matter: MS2026/1 – one month review of the Road Transport Contractual Chain Supply Order

HIA provided this further submission to inform the Expert Panel’s first review of the Road Transport Contracting Chain Order made on 28 April 2026.