Specialist Topics

Building approvals

About this topic

Building approvals are a leading indicator of residential development activity in Townsville (C). 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, 72 residential dwellings were approved in Townsville (C). Over the latest 12 months, approvals totalled 1,100.

View

1,100

12-month rolling total

to January 2026

634

2025-26 FYTD

Latest annual total

1,105

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
2026-01648721,100
2025-12414451,105
2025-117714911,122
2025-1096101061,101
2025-096121821,067
2025-08104281321,062
2025-078521106995
2025-061112113943
2025-058524109916
2025-0477077856
2025-0374478848
2025-0283689813
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals (8731.0). Compiled by Geografia.