{{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 reflect good momentum heading into 2026
Approvals reflect good momentum heading into 2026
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 April 2026 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories.
“The decline in April did not upset the positive underlying trend, with approvals in the three months to April still 12.1 per cent higher than the same quarter a year earlier, including +9.3 per cent for houses and +16.0 per cent for multi-units,” added Mr Devitt.
“The data continues to reflect the good momentum in Australian home building heading into 2026, supported by elevated population growth, low unemployment and last year’s rate cutting cycle.
“The value of alterations and additions approved in the latest three months was also 14.0 per cent greater than the same quarter a year earlier. This reflects the underlying demand for housing in Australia pitted against land constraints, which is pushing more households into the renovations segment.
“Recent headwinds surrounding rising interest rates, Budget announcements and international turmoil are likely to have a more noticeable impact on the data in the second half of the year.
“Interest rates were already on the way up in response to higher-than-expected inflation in the second half of last year.
“Elevated population growth and government spending have kept both inflation and interest rates higher than they otherwise would be, even as households and private sector businesses remain constrained.
“Recent Budget changes will add to market uncertainty and disrupt the momentum that was evident in early this year.
“These issues magnify the importance of the role of governments to reduce the cost of delivering a new home to market.
“Australia is not expected to build enough homes to meet current and future demands.
“Taxes and regulations on home building need to be reduced and skills shortages addressed, if Australia is to meet its housing targets.
“Budget measures to deliver ‘enabling’ infrastructure like transport and utilities will support home building over the medium-to-long term,” concluded Mr Devitt.
In seasonally adjusted terms, Queensland saw the largest increase in new home approvals in the three months to April 2026, compared to the same quarter a year earlier, up by 24.4 per cent. This was followed by Victoria (+13.5 per cent), New South Wales and Western Australia (+9.0 per cent), and Tasmania (+8.0 per cent), while South Australia saw a 1.4 per cent decline. In original terms, the Australian Capital Territory saw a decline of 12.2 per cent, followed by the Northern Territory (-3.3 per cent).
Monthly Building Approvals - Australia
For more information please contact:
NT housing market continues to outperform as confidence drives growth
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.
EIE – Standard and model conditions of consent
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.
Tasmanian home approvals lift, but still short of what’s needed
Home building approvals in Tasmania have climbed over the past year, though the numbers remain well below the level needed to meet demand.
Solid apartment approvals fail to reverse housing slowdown in ACT
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.