Specialist Topics

Building approvals

About this topic

Building approvals are a leading indicator of residential development activity in Somerset (R). 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, 9 residential dwellings were approved in Somerset (R). Over the latest 12 months, approvals totalled 144.

View

144

12-month rolling total

to January 2026

112

2025-26 FYTD

Latest annual total

205

Peak year

2021-22

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
2026-01909144
2025-1221021155
2025-1115015134
2025-1028028133
2025-0911011126
2025-0814014130
2025-0710414129
2025-06404141
2025-05505145
2025-04404154
2025-03909159
2025-0210010167
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals (8731.0). Compiled by Geografia.