Australia Building Permits Fall Less Than Expected

Australia’s seasonally adjusted dwelling approvals fell 3.6% month-over-month to 17,687 units in July 2026, less than market expectations for a 4.8% drop and following a revised 6.9% gain in June, according to preliminary estimates. The decrease was driven by a 4.2% slide in approvals for private sector houses to 10,199, along with a 0.4% reduction in approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses to 7,119 units. Compared with a year earlier, total dwelling approvals increased 9.0%, with approvals for private sector houses rising 6.0%, while approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses plunged 19.9%. In trend terms, total dwelling approvals rose 0.8% to 18,365 units. Across the states, total dwelling approvals dipped in Queensland (-13.9%), New South Wales (-8.1%), and Western Australia (-0.3%), but increased in Tasmania (15.2%), Victoria (9.7%), and South Australia (5.9%).

Australia's seasonally adjusted dwelling approvals rose 7.2% month-over-month to a four-month high of 18,328 units in June 2026, confirming preliminary estimates and following a 1.6% fall in May. The gain was largely driven by a 17.8% increase in approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses to 7,138 units, while approvals for private sector houses rose a modest 0.4% to 10,631. On an annual basis, total dwelling approvals were up 8.9%, reflecting a 15.8% rise in approvals for private sector houses, while approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses declined 1.5%. In trend terms, total dwelling approvals increased 2.0% to 18,449 units. Across the states, approvals climbed in Queensland (33.4%), New South Wales (13.2%), and Western Australia (10.7%), but fell in Tasmania (-22.5%), Victoria (-13.9%), and South Australia (-11.5%).

Australia's seasonally adjusted dwelling approvals rose 7.2% month-over-month to a four-month high of 18,328 units in June 2026, defying market expectations of a 1% decline after a revised 1.6% fall in May, according to preliminary estimates. The increase was driven by a 17.8% rebound in approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses to 7,138 units, while approvals for private sector houses edged up 0.4% to 10,631. Compared with a year earlier, total dwelling approvals increased 8.9%, with approvals for private sector houses rising 15.8%, while approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses slipped 1.5%. In trend terms, total dwelling approvals rose 2.0% to 18,449 units. Across the states, total dwelling approvals surged in Queensland (33.4%), New South Wales (13.2%), and Western Australia (10.7%), but declined in Tasmania (-22.5%), Victoria (-13.9%), and South Australia (-11.5%).