Detached housing approvals were up 13% on the previous month and 28% on January last year. Overall housing approvals have increased by 13% over the last 12 months compared with the previous 12 month period.

“Housing has been, and remains, one of the biggest issues facing WA," said HIA Executive Director WA, Michael McGowan.

"Such a high number of approvals in a traditionally quieter time of year shows just how much activity is out there."

For comparison, peak COVID era approvals reached 2,922 in February 2021 and averaged 2,500 per month across an eight month period between October 2020 and May 2021. Over the last four months, Western Australia has averaged 2,233 approvals.

“The current approvals show just how far the industry has come -producing a similar number of homes with significantly less disruption,” said Mr McGowan.

“This is a result of more robust supply chains and an increase in the number of apprentices and trades helping to deliver 20,000 homes per year and growing.

“We know there is still a long way to go before we emerge from the current housing crisis. Land and labour must be the two areas of focus for all levels of government over the next four years to support supply and affordability.

“Land availability, and the coordination of infrastructure and services to ensure it can be delivered in a timely manner, must remain a top priority for the WA Government.

“The recent Cook Government announcement of industry roundtables to address critical labour shortages aligns with our calls. The test will be ensuring that what comes out of the roundtable are tangible outcomes that make a meaningful difference,” concluded Mr McGowan.