Specialist Topics

Building approvals

About this topic

Building approvals are a leading indicator of residential development activity in Central Desert (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.

Key insight

In January 2026, 0 residential dwellings were approved in Central Desert (R). Over the latest 12 months, approvals totalled 19.

View

19

12-month rolling total

to January 2026

16

2025-26 FYTD

Latest annual total

16

Peak year

2025-26 FYTD

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
2026-0100019
2025-1200019
2025-1100019
2025-1050519
2025-0930316
2025-0870713
2025-071016
2025-063035
2025-050002
2025-040002
2025-030002
2025-0200010
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals (8731.0). Compiled by Geografia.