The seasonally adjusted total number of dwelling approvals in Australia fell by 7.2% month-on-month in January 2026 to 14,564 units, the lowest level in 19 months and in line with preliminary estimates. This followed a sharper 14.9% decline in December. Approvals for private-sector dwellings excluding houses continued to contract, but at a slower pace (-24.5% vs -30.7% in December). By contrast, permits for private-sector houses edged higher, though growth eased slightly (1.1% vs 1.2%).
By state, building approvals declined in Victoria (-11.0%), South Australia (-9.3%), Queensland (-6.0%) and New South Wales (-5.1%), but increased in Tasmania (14.1%) and Western Australia (13.7%). On a yearly basis, total dwelling approvals were 15.7% lower.
