Specialist Topics

Building approvals

About this topic

Building approvals are a leading indicator of residential development activity in Northern Beaches (A). 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, 23 residential dwellings were approved in Northern Beaches (A). Over the latest 12 months, approvals totalled 457.

View

457

12-month rolling total

to January 2026

295

2025-26 FYTD

Latest annual total

1,136

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.

PeriodHousesOtherTotalRolling 12m
2026-0116723457
2025-12191029474
2025-11232649467
2025-10263864449
2025-09291645412
2025-08321042400
2025-07271643502
2025-0617825506
2025-0521223513
2025-04212344800
2025-0320828798
2025-02251742859
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals (8731.0). Compiled by Geografia.