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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationHunter & Central Coast housing approvals strengthen in FY 2025/26
Hunter & Central Coast housing approvals strengthen in FY 2025/26
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Recent ABS figures on new home approvals indicate that housing construction activity across the Hunter and Central Coast performed strongly during 2025/26, according to the Housing Industry Association.
Wednesday, 02nd September 2026
“During the past financial year, a total of 5,397 dwelling approvals were recorded across the Hunter, an increase of 4 per cent compared to the 2024/25 financial year. On the Central Coast, a total of 1,317 dwelling approvals occurred, an increase of 8 per cent,” said Craig Jennion, HIA Hunter Executive Director.
“During the 12 months to June 2026 detached housing approvals increased by 13 per cent in the Hunter and 18 per cent on the Central Coast. In contrast, multi-unit approvals declined by 7 per cent in the Hunter and 6 per cent on the Central Coast.”
“Much of the residential building activity continues to occur in the statistical areas of Maitland, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Cessnock. Together, these locations accounted for 83.3 per cent of all dwelling approvals”, said Mr Jennion.
"Port Stephens recorded the largest increase in total approvals, with an additional 229 dwellings approved compared with the previous financial year. Most of this growth was driven by detached housing approvals."
"On a percentage basis, and from a smaller base, Singleton recorded the strongest growth, with approvals increasing by 206 per cent during the financial year. The increase was driven by a 150 per cent rise in detached housing approvals, supported by several multi-unit developments.”
"Detached homes remained the preferred choice for home buyers, accounting for 61.3 per cent of all approvals in the Hunter and 65.4 per cent on the Central Coast."
“The value of approved major renovations and alterations remained relatively unchanged in 2025/26 with Hunter approvals easing 1 per cent to $315.4 million and declining by 4 per cent to $165.8 million on the Central Coast.”
“Much of the approval data reflects market decisions made before the recent disruptions of interest rate hikes, Budget tax announcements and changes in economic conditions. However, looking ahead HIA is forecasting residential building activity to remain resilient.”
"Underlying demand for housing remains strong across the Hunter and Central Coast. Continued population growth, internal migration and the region's relative housing affordability compared with metropolitan markets will continue to support demand for both new homes and renovation activity."
"Residential construction remains a significant contributor to the regional economy, and the outlook suggests the sector will continue to play an important role in supporting local jobs, investment and housing supply," concluded Mr Jennion.
“During the 12 months to June 2026 detached housing approvals increased by 13 per cent in the Hunter and 18 per cent on the Central Coast. In contrast, multi-unit approvals declined by 7 per cent in the Hunter and 6 per cent on the Central Coast.”
“Much of the residential building activity continues to occur in the statistical areas of Maitland, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Cessnock. Together, these locations accounted for 83.3 per cent of all dwelling approvals”, said Mr Jennion.
"Port Stephens recorded the largest increase in total approvals, with an additional 229 dwellings approved compared with the previous financial year. Most of this growth was driven by detached housing approvals."
"On a percentage basis, and from a smaller base, Singleton recorded the strongest growth, with approvals increasing by 206 per cent during the financial year. The increase was driven by a 150 per cent rise in detached housing approvals, supported by several multi-unit developments.”
"Detached homes remained the preferred choice for home buyers, accounting for 61.3 per cent of all approvals in the Hunter and 65.4 per cent on the Central Coast."
“The value of approved major renovations and alterations remained relatively unchanged in 2025/26 with Hunter approvals easing 1 per cent to $315.4 million and declining by 4 per cent to $165.8 million on the Central Coast.”
“Much of the approval data reflects market decisions made before the recent disruptions of interest rate hikes, Budget tax announcements and changes in economic conditions. However, looking ahead HIA is forecasting residential building activity to remain resilient.”
"Underlying demand for housing remains strong across the Hunter and Central Coast. Continued population growth, internal migration and the region's relative housing affordability compared with metropolitan markets will continue to support demand for both new homes and renovation activity."
"Residential construction remains a significant contributor to the regional economy, and the outlook suggests the sector will continue to play an important role in supporting local jobs, investment and housing supply," concluded Mr Jennion.
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