Australia Private House Permits Grow for 3rd Month

Private house approvals in Australia increased 1.1% month-on-month to 9,753 units in January 2026, following an upwardly revised 1.2% growth in the previous month, according to a preliminary estimate. The latest result marked a third straight monthly expansion, underscoring steady resilience in detached housing demand. Approvals rose in New South Wales (1.9%), Queensland (1.8%), and Western Australia (11.5%), but declined in Victoria (-3.8%) and South Australia (-8.9%). On an annual basis, private house approvals expanded 7.1%, after a 7.5% increase in December.

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.