Specialist Topics

Building approvals

About this topic

Building approvals are a leading indicator of residential development activity in Brisbane (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, 554 residential dwellings were approved in Brisbane (C). Over the latest 12 months, approvals totalled 8,163.

View

8,163

12-month rolling total

to January 2026

4,989

2025-26 FYTD

Latest annual total

12,238

Peak year

2016-17

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
2026-011653895548,163
2025-121955747697,903
2025-112541223768,213
2025-102335117448,201
2025-092586809387,807
2025-082409171,1577,733
2025-072162354517,292
2025-062585017597,261
2025-052832104937,063
2025-042495287777,039
2025-032545107646,557
2025-022461353816,168
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals (8731.0). Compiled by Geografia.