Australia’s seasonally adjusted dwelling approvals fell 6.1% month-on-month to a seven-month low of 16,953 units in August 2026, in line with the flash estimate and extending July’s 1.9% decline. This marked the fifth monthly contraction so far this year.
The downturn was driven by a sharp fall in approvals for private-sector dwellings excluding houses, which tumbled 21.2% (after a 0.8% rise in July) to 5,674 units. By contrast, private-sector house approvals rebounded, rising 3.7% (after a 1.9% fall in July) to 10,885 units.
By state, total dwelling approvals decreased 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 an annual basis, total building approvals were up 10.3%, slightly below the 10.9% year-on-year increase recorded in July.
