Australia Building Permits Rise for 1st Time in 3 Months

Australia’s seasonally adjusted dwelling approvals increased 5.1% month-on-month to 17,948 units in September 2026, rebounding from a revised 5.2% drop in the previous month, preliminary data showed. It was the first expansion since June, with approvals for private-sector dwellings excluding houses rebounding sharply (16.6% vs -21.7% in August) to 6,579 units. In contrast, private-sector house approvals fell (-5.3% vs. 5.4%) to 10,432 units. Across the states, dwelling approvals rose in New South Wales (37.3%) and Queensland (28.0%), while declining in Victoria (-28.9%), Tasmania (-25.7%), Western Australia (-8.7%), and South Australia (-3.2%). On a yearly basis, building approvals fell 0.8%, reversing an upwardly revised 12.1% jump in August.

Australia’s seasonally adjusted dwelling approvals fell 6.1% month-on-month to a seven-month low of 16,953 units in August 2026, matching the flash estimate and deepening from a 1.9% decline in the previous month. It was the fifth time of contraction so far this year, with approvals for private-sector dwellings excluding houses plummeting (-21.2% vs 0.8% in July) to 5,674 units. In contrast, private-sector house approvals rebounded (3.7%vs -1.9%) to 10,885 units. Across the states, dwelling approvals declined in Queensland (-22.5%), New South Wales (-17.3%) and Tasmania (-1.5%), but increased in South Australia (24.0%), Victoria (8.9%) and Western Australia (3.2%). On a yearly basis, building approvals rose 10.3%, easing slightly from a 10.9% gain in July.

Australia’s seasonally adjusted dwelling approvals fell 6.1% month-on-month to a seven-month low of 16,953 units in August 2026, exceeding market expectations for a 2% drop and following a revised 1.9% decline in July, according to preliminary estimates. The decrease was driven by a 21.2% slide in approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses to 5,674 units. Meanwhile, approvals for private sector houses rose 3.7% to 10,885. Compared with a year earlier, total dwelling approvals increased 10.3%, with approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses decreasing 2.1%, while approvals for private sector houses climbed 18.4%. In trend terms, total dwelling approvals declined 0.8% from the previous month to 18,202 units. Across the states, total dwelling approvals plunged month-over-month in Queensland (-22.5%), New South Wales (-17.3%), and Tasmania (-1.5%), but increased in South Australia (24.0%), Victoria (8.9%), and Western Australia (3.2%).