Specialist Topics

Building approvals

About this topic

Building approvals are a leading indicator of residential development activity in Adelaide (C). Monthly dwelling approvals respond faster than Census measures to market conditions, interest rates, and planning cycles.

This view uses monthly ABS Building Approvals data through January 2026. The rolling 12-month total smooths volatility to show the underlying trend rather than one-off monthly swings.

Key insight

In January 2026, 67 residential dwellings were approved in Adelaide (C). Over the latest 12 months, approvals totalled 114.

View

114

12-month rolling total

to January 2026

71

2025-26 FYTD

Latest annual total

861

Peak year

2017-18

Chart view

Monthly dwelling approvals

Monthly approvals split between houses and other dwellings, with a rolling 12-month total overlay.

Data table

Monthly approvals table

Download the underlying approvals time series shown in the current view.

PeriodHousesOtherTotalRolling 12m
2026-0106767114
2025-1200049
2025-1100049
2025-10033101
2025-0900099
2025-08101106
2025-07000105
2025-06101105
2025-05101108
2025-04000156
2025-0304040157
2025-02101120
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals (8731.0). Compiled by Geografia.