Specialist Topics

Building approvals

About this topic

Building approvals are a leading indicator of residential development activity in West Coast (M). 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 West Coast (M). Over the latest 12 months, approvals totalled 3.

View

3

12-month rolling total

to January 2026

3

2025-26 FYTD

Latest annual total

16

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
2026-010003
2025-120004
2025-110004
2025-102024
2025-090002
2025-081012
2025-070001
2025-060001
2025-050005
2025-040005
2025-030005
2025-020005
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Building Approvals (8731.0). Compiled by Geografia.