{{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 locationHome building approvals remain around decade lows
Home building approvals remain around decade lows
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
The Australian Bureau of Statistics today released its monthly building approvals data for April 2024 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories.
“A 1.1 per cent increase in multi-unit approvals was offset by a 1.0 per cent decline in detached housing approvals,” added Mr Devitt.
“These depressed approvals volumes don’t foreshadow a rapid recovery from the weakest volume of new home commencements in the 2023/24 financial year, in over a decade.
“At the same time, Australia is seeing record population growth and acute shortages of housing that are expected to persist for at least the next few years.
“With recent inflation data casting further doubt on the prospect of any reduction in interest rates this year, government policymakers need to pull the levers within their reach.
“The recent re-acceleration of residential lot prices in some markets suggests the industry could re-encounter land constraints, even as materials and labour constraints ease.
“State and federal policymakers need to incentivise local authorities to accelerate the release of shovel-ready land and permit higher density development in existing suburbs near jobs and transport.
“Addressing tax, planning, land and regulatory constraints on the housing industry is the only hope of reaching state and national housing targets in coming years and addressing the country’s housing crisis,” concluded Mr Devitt.
In seasonally adjusted terms, dwelling approvals in the three months to April increased in Western Australia, up by 39.4 per cent compared to the previous year, and in Victoria (+2.8 per cent). New South Wales was flat (+0.0 per cent) over the period, while other jurisdictions saw declines in approvals, led by Queensland (-16.6 per cent), followed by Tasmania (-12.2 per cent) and South Australia (-11.3 per cent). In original terms, dwelling approvals declined in the Northern Territory (-38.2 per cent) and increased in the Australian Capital Territory (+4.1 per cent).
Monthly Building Approvals - Australia
For more information please contact:
Population data highlights contradiction in government policy
“Australia’s population reached 27.4 million by the end of 2024, up by 445,900 people, or 1.7 per cent for the year,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Tom Devitt.
Tasmanian Election - Stadium or no stadium we still need housing
The Tasmanian election that no-one wanted to have is in full swing, and while the limited campaign period is unlikely to provide the usual platform to promote key policies and reforms, HIA is calling on both major parties to prioritise housing policies given the significant challenges across the state.
‘Getting Keys in Doors’ shouldn’t be this difficult
“Our dated and complex planning system is littered with speed bumps that could easily be removed”, said Brad Armitage, HIA NSW Executive Director.
New home building contract laws welcomed by HIA
“The Victorian government’s proposal to update home building contract laws to make them fit for use in the 21st century is welcomed by HIA,” stated HIA Executive Director, Keith Ryan.