Specialist Topics

Building approvals

About this topic

Building approvals are a leading indicator of residential development activity in George Town (M). 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, 4 residential dwellings were approved in George Town (M). Over the latest 12 months, approvals totalled 67.

View

67

12-month rolling total

to January 2026

30

2025-26 FYTD

Latest annual total

83

Peak year

2020-21

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
2026-0140467
2025-1260665
2025-1140460
2025-1060660
2025-0920257
2025-0850561
2025-0730361
2025-0630359
2025-0552764
2025-041101161
2025-0390954
2025-0270753
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals (8731.0). Compiled by Geografia.