Dwelling approvals continue downward trend

New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show development of new housing slowing for the third month in a row, which could impact Australia’s future housing affordability. 

According to the ABS data, the number of dwellings approved across Australia fell 1.9% in May 2017, and is now 18% below the prior peak in May 2016.

Looking state by state, dwelling approvals decreased in the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales. However, Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania all experienced increases to dwelling approvals in trend terms:

In relation to the ABS statistics, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) found that the recorded downward trend confirms its own forecasts that new residential building projects would slow in 2017.  

According to HIA principal economist, Tim Reardon, the multi-unit sector of the industry has slowed more quickly than detached homes, off the back of the super-cycle of apartments that commenced in 2015.

“This slow-down is in stark contrast to the growing demands of first home buyers and the need to promote an increase in housing supply.”

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Mr Reardon also said that the amount of work still under construction should keep the residential building industry operating at high levels well into 2018.

Compare home loans in Australia