Specialist Topics

Building approvals

About this topic

Building approvals are a leading indicator of residential development activity in Northern Areas (DC). 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 Northern Areas (DC). Over the latest 12 months, approvals totalled 11.

View

11

12-month rolling total

to January 2026

9

2025-26 FYTD

Latest annual total

13

Peak year

2023-24

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
2026-0100011
2025-1210112
2025-1110114
2025-1020213
2025-0910113
2025-0820212
2025-0720212
2025-0600011
2025-0510111
2025-0400013
2025-0310113
2025-0200014
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals (8731.0). Compiled by Geografia.