{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationApprovals of apartments in capital cities fall further despite a peak in migration
Approvals of apartments in capital cities fall further despite a peak in migration
Member and guest login
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.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
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 March 2024 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories.
“The mismatch between rising demand from migration and constraints on the supply of housing is likely to see the acute shortage of housing stock continue to deteriorate,” added Mr Reardon.
“Higher density housing development is being constrained by labour, material and finance costs and uncertainties, as well as cumbersome planning rules and punitive taxes, especially on foreign investors.
“This lack of new work entering the construction pipeline is occurring alongside record inflows of overseas migrants and a pre-existing acute shortage of rental accommodation across the country.
“The positive news is that for the past 12 months the volume of detached building approvals has remained relatively stable, al be it at their lowest level for a decade.
“There is growing evidence that the volume of new detached homes commencing construction will reach a trough in 2024, albeit, at its lowest level since 2012.
“The volume of detached approvals nationally rose for the second consecutive month, to be 0.7 per cent higher than it was in the same quarter in 2023.
“Rising interest rates is the key factor slowing building activity, but there is an increased divergence evident in some states. Those able to deliver low cost land are seeing more modest slowing in activity.
“Approvals for new houses in Western Australia contrast with the rest of the country and have been increasing steadily since mid-2023. House approvals in Western Australia are now 33.2 per cent higher than in the same quarter the previous year.
“It is possible to build the Australian Government’s target of 1.2 million homes over the next five years, but it will require significant lowering of taxes on home building, easing pressures on construction costs, and decreasing land costs,” concluded Mr Reardon.
In seasonally adjusted terms, dwelling approvals in the three months to March increased in Western Australia, up by 38.5 per cent compared to the previous year, and in New South Wales (+7.7 per cent). Other jurisdictions saw declines in approvals, led by Queensland (-17.6 per cent), followed by South Australia (-9.0 per cent) and Victoria (-1.9 per cent). In original terms, dwelling approvals declined in the Northern Territory (-46.2 per cent), the Australian Capital Territory (-14.6 per cent) and Tasmania (-5.4 per cent).
Monthly Building Approvals - Australia
For more information please contact:
Housing Industry Association National Policy Congress Communique
The Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) National Policy Congress (NPC) met on the Gold Coast on 16 April 2026 for its annual meeting. The NPC comprises elected representatives from regions across Australia, together with the Chairs of HIA’s eight specialist committees.
HIA recognises long standing member with prestigious industry award
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has honoured one of its most respected and long‑standing members, Graham Walker, as the 2026 recipient of the Sir Phillip Lynch Award of Excellence – acknowledging decades of outstanding service to both HIA and the broader residential building industry.
Victorian government announces new Cabinet
The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, has today announced a new Cabinet following the announcement earlier this week that several long-time MPs will retire from the Ministry and the Parliament at the end of the year.
New Victorian Building Minister must delay building code changes
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) congratulates Nick Staikos on his appointment as the new Victorian Minister for Housing and Building and suggests he gets an early win on the board by immediately announcing a delay to the implementation of National Construction Code (NCC) changes due to commence on 1 May 2026.