Specialist Topics

Building approvals

About this topic

Building approvals are a leading indicator of residential development activity in Darwin (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, 6 residential dwellings were approved in Darwin (C). Over the latest 12 months, approvals totalled 75.

View

75

12-month rolling total

to January 2026

62

2025-26 FYTD

Latest annual total

172

Peak year

2019-20

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
2026-0142675
2025-1230394
2025-111201292
2025-101401489
2025-091001079
2025-0890974
2025-0753874
2025-0620273
2025-0560674
2025-0420270
2025-0320279
2025-0210179
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals (8731.0). Compiled by Geografia.