The seasonally adjusted number of total dwelling approvals in Australia fell by 7.2% month-on-month to 14,564 units in January 2026, a 19‑month low and well below market expectations of a 5.5% increase, according to flash estimates. This decline followed a 14.9% slump in December. Approvals for private-sector dwellings excluding houses remained notably weak, dropping 24.5% after a 30.7% fall in the previous month. In contrast, approvals for private-sector houses continued to edge higher, rising 1.1% after a 1.2% gain in December.
By state, building approvals decreased in New South Wales (-5.1%), Victoria (-11.0%), Queensland (-6.0%), and South Australia (-9.3%). Western Australia (13.7%) and Tasmania (14.1%), however, recorded solid increases. On an annual basis, total dwelling approvals fell 15.7%, reversing the 1.1% year-on-year rise seen in December.
