Specialist Topics

Building approvals

About this topic

Building approvals are a leading indicator of residential development activity in Port Stephens (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, 24 residential dwellings were approved in Port Stephens (A). Over the latest 12 months, approvals totalled 357.

View

357

12-month rolling total

to January 2026

212

2025-26 FYTD

Latest annual total

653

Peak year

2022-23

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
2026-01141024357
2025-1281523361
2025-11274471378
2025-1011819326
2025-0933639325
2025-0811415308
2025-0791221316
2025-069413349
2025-05181432342
2025-04191837325
2025-03122840305
2025-0271623275
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals (8731.0). Compiled by Geografia.