Slowdown in Australia Private House Permits Confirmed

Private house approvals in Australia increased 0.4% month-on-month to 9,487 units in December 2025, easing from 0.8% gain in the previous month and in line with preliminary estimates. The latest result marked a second straight monthly increase, albeit at a slower pace, underscoring steady resilience in detached housing demand. Approvals grew in most major states, led by South Australia (1.7%) and Western Australia (1.5%), alongside gains in Queensland (0.9%) and New South Wales (0.3%). In contrast, Victoria recorded a modest decline of 0.9%. On an annual basis, private house approvals rose 5.7%, extending their upward trend but slowing from November’s 3.0% gain. The data show year-on-year growth remains positive, though momentum is beginning to cool.

Private house approvals in Australia rose 0.4% month-on-month to 9,487 units in December 2025, easing from a 0.8% increase in the previous month, according to flash data. Despite the slower pace, the latest reading marked a second consecutive monthly gain, suggesting some resilience in detached housing demand. Approvals increased in most major states, led by South Australia (1.7%) and Western Australia (1.5%), alongside gains in Queensland (0.9%) and New South Wales (0.3%). In contrast, Victoria recorded a modest decline of 0.9%. On an annual basis, private house approvals rose 5.7%, extending their upward trend but moderating from a 3.0% increase in November, indicating that year-on-year growth remains positive even as momentum shows signs of cooling.

Private house approvals in Australia increased 1.3% month-on-month to 9,458 units in November 2025, turning from 1.3% decline in the previous month and aligning with flash data. Approvals for private-sector houses rose in New South Wales (4.3%), Queensland (3.9%), and Western Australia (1.2%), but declined in Victoria (-0.9%) and South Australia (-3.7%). On a yearly basis, private house approvals grew 3.2%, accelerating from a 1.8% growth in October.