Specialist Topics
Building approvals
About this topic
Building approvals are a leading indicator of residential development activity in Cairns (R). 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.
Related topics
Key insight
In January 2026, 38 residential dwellings were approved in Cairns (R). Over the latest 12 months, approvals totalled 1,274.
View
1,274
12-month rolling total
to January 2026
979
2025-26 FYTD
Latest annual total
1,164
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.
| Period | Houses | Other | Total | Rolling 12m |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01 | 38 | 0 | 38 | 1,274 |
| 2025-12 | 33 | 0 | 33 | 1,291 |
| 2025-11 | 66 | 0 | 66 | 1,291 |
| 2025-10 | 63 | 0 | 63 | 1,344 |
| 2025-09 | 51 | 0 | 51 | 1,315 |
| 2025-08 | 73 | 0 | 73 | 1,317 |
| 2025-07 | 60 | 595 | 655 | 1,309 |
| 2025-06 | 66 | 3 | 69 | 697 |
| 2025-05 | 72 | 0 | 72 | 683 |
| 2025-04 | 51 | 0 | 51 | 715 |
| 2025-03 | 48 | 6 | 54 | 713 |
| 2025-02 | 49 | 0 | 49 | 722 |