Address
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location Address
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationSigns of a pulse in Canberra building approvals
Signs of a pulse in Canberra building approvals
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
Building approvals for dwellings in Canberra for the year to the end of March have shown some signs that the market may be turning the corner but still remain well below government targets.
Thursday, 08th May 2025
“The twelve-months to the end of January was the worst figures on record, with only 2,003 homes of all types being approved, but there are some hopes that this was the bottom of the cycle,” said Greg Weller, HIA Executive Director ACT & Southern NSW.
“The last two months have seen approvals for the twelve-month period increase to 2,239 in February and 2,497 in March.”
“This is made up of 693 detached homes and 1,804 apartments and townhouses (for March), which have increased by 30.9% and 165.9% respectively against the previous month of February.”
“The conclusion of the federal election should end some uncertainty in the capital, which has no doubt impacted on the residential building industry. The prospect of potentially multiple interest rate cuts in the second half of the year should also help stimulate demand.”
“While two months of positive numbers gives cause for optimism, it is too early to call a recovery and we will be looking for further increases over coming months, or at least stabilisation and no more falls.”
“The problems facing the industry cannot be overstated, as although the latest release of approvals data represents an improvement, it still leaves the city sitting at 50% of the number required to meet the government's target of 5,000 new dwellings per year.”
“The last two months have seen approvals for the twelve-month period increase to 2,239 in February and 2,497 in March.”
“This is made up of 693 detached homes and 1,804 apartments and townhouses (for March), which have increased by 30.9% and 165.9% respectively against the previous month of February.”
“The conclusion of the federal election should end some uncertainty in the capital, which has no doubt impacted on the residential building industry. The prospect of potentially multiple interest rate cuts in the second half of the year should also help stimulate demand.”
“While two months of positive numbers gives cause for optimism, it is too early to call a recovery and we will be looking for further increases over coming months, or at least stabilisation and no more falls.”
“The problems facing the industry cannot be overstated, as although the latest release of approvals data represents an improvement, it still leaves the city sitting at 50% of the number required to meet the government's target of 5,000 new dwellings per year.”
For more information please contact:
Latest articles
30 May
Detached house approvals picking up
“There were 9,490 detached homes approved in the month of April 2025, up by 3.3 per cent compared to the previous month,” stated HIA Senior Economist Maurice Tapang.
29 May
State Budget is a missed opportunity to stimulate housing
The Treasurer has handed down the 2025/26 Tasmanian Budget. The Budget focuses on alleviating cost of living pressures, health, education and infrastructure, while mapping out a path to a fiscal balance surplus in 2032/2033.
29 May
HIA supports bipartisan approach to planning reform NSW
“The NSW planning system has failed to deliver the number of homes we desperately need and we fully support removing the politics from housing, to address this growing crisis,” said Brad Armitage, HIA Executive Director NSW.
27 May
Opposition pledge to remove stamp duty for first home buyers welcomed (Vic)
The Victorian Opposition’s announcement that it would remove stamp duty for first-home buyers spending up to $1 million on a new or existing home if elected at next year’s state election, is a positive step towards improving home affordability,” says Steven Wojtkiw, HIA Victoria Deputy Executive Director.