New ABS data shows building approvals rose 9 per cent last financial year, climbing to their highest level since 2021.
Across 2025–26, there were 205,249 dwellings approved, this is up 9.2 per cent on the previous financial year and the highest level since 2020–21.
- House approvals were at their highest level since 2021–22
- Townhouse and apartment approvals were at their highest level since 2017–18
These results show Labor’s ambition plan to build more homes for more Australian’s is working.
We’re getting more people into homes with the Government’s comprehensive $47 billion Homes for Australia plan to build more homes. This includes:
- Investing $6.3 billion in enabling housing infrastructure
- Directly supporting 55,000 social and affordable homes and 100,000 homes for first home buyers
- Providing Free TAFE and $10,000 incentives for apprentices in residential construction
- Fast tracking EPBC approvals for over 35,000 new homes
- Pausing and streamlining the National Construction Code
- Investing $170 million to increase the uptake of modern methods of construction
While higher approvals and improved construction cost inflation are an important step forward, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is placing pressure on supply chains, materials and construction costs – creating a tougher environment for everyone involved in the process of building a new home.
We’re continuing to work with the states, the Territory, and the construction sector to reduce red tape, speed up approvals and make it easier to build more homes.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities, Clare O’Neil MP
“These numbers this year tell the story that the trend is heading in the right direction with approvals up 8.9 per cent after they were falling by more than 20 per cent under the Coalition.
“We know monthly figures move around – especially with the challenges the conflict in the Middle East is causing but we are taking on the challenge from every angle.
“We’re getting on with the job training more tradies, investing in the infrastructure that unlocks new housing, and cutting the red tape that’s been holding builders back.”