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The Australian Bureau of Statistics today released its monthly building approvals data for October 2024 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories.
“Total dwelling approvals have risen by 4.2 per cent compared to the previous month, which confirms the rise in home building activity expected in 2025,” added Mr Tapang.
“Detached house approvals in the three months to October 2024 have increased by 8.7 per cent compared to the same time in the previous year.
“It has been more than a year since the RBA last raised interest rates. Unchanged interest rate settings has provided some degree of certainty for consumers.
“Households are returning to new home building despite there being no cut to the cash rate. This is because unemployment remains at very low levels, while housing demand remains very strong.
“Prices of home building materials have also been growing at a more normal pace, the latest data showing a 1.4 per cent annual increase in September 2024.
“Low unemployment, unchanged interest rates, stable growth in materials prices and a return to normal build times are helping lift up the market from its recent trough.
“Multi-unit approvals rose by 22.4 per cent in the month of October to 6,130. Approvals for multi-units have been bumpy and trending at decade-low levels amid challenges with capacity.
“This leaves multi-unit approvals in the three months to October to 15,750, which is 1.2 per cent higher compared to the same time in the previous year.
“Multi-units would need to pick up more strongly in order to achieve the Australian Government’s target of 1.2 million homes over five years,” concluded Mr Tapang.
Detached house approvals in the three months to October 2024 rose by 42.0 per cent in Western Australia compared to the same time in the previous year. This was followed by South Australia (+22.3 per cent) and Queensland (+13.6 per cent). The other states and territories recorded declines over the same period, led by the Australian Capital Territory (-13.3 per cent), followed by Tasmania (-11.7 per cent), the Northern Territory (-5.9 per cent), New South Wales (-4.3 per cent), while Victoria remained relatively unchanged (-0.4 per cent).
Multi-unit approvals in the three months to October 2024 doubled in Western Australia (+109.7 per cent) compared to the previous year. This was followed by Queensland (+33.9 per cent), the Northern Territory (+21.4 per cent) and Victoria (+4.0 per cent). Declines were recorded in Tasmania (-78.6 per cent), the Australian Capital Territory (-76.5 per cent), New South Wales (-8.5 per cent) and South Australia (-1.2 per cent).
“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.
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.
“Our dated and complex planning system is littered with speed bumps that could easily be removed”, said Brad Armitage, HIA NSW Executive Director.
“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.