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
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
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).
The Northern Territory's housing market continues to outperform many parts of the country, with strong dwelling price growth, rising building approvals and sustained investment activity demonstrating confidence in the Territory's future.
HIA commented on the Explanation of Intended Effect for Standard and model conditions of consent (the EIE). It is understood the EIE explains the proposed amendments to State Environmental Planning Policy 2021 that will give effect to consistent conditions of consent for residential development across the state.
Home building approvals in Tasmania have climbed over the past year, though the numbers remain well below the level needed to meet demand.
The latest building approvals data shows the ACT residential building market remains subdued, with detached housing continuing to struggle and the momentum that emerged in the apartment market during 2025 now showing signs of fading.