2026.07.3001:41:23UTC+00Australia Building Permits Unexpectedly Rise

Australia’s seasonally adjusted dwelling approvals rose 7.2% month-over-month in June 2026 to a four-month high of 18,328 units, according to preliminary estimates. This outcome defied market expectations of a 1% decline and followed a revised 1.6% fall in May.

The overall increase was led by a 17.8% rebound in approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses, which climbed to 7,138 units. Approvals for private sector houses also inched higher, rising 0.4% to 10,631 units.

On an annual basis, total dwelling approvals were up 8.9%. Approvals for private sector houses increased 15.8% year-on-year, while approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses fell 1.5%.

In trend terms, total dwelling approvals rose 2.0% to 18,449 units.

By state, total dwelling approvals surged in Queensland (33.4%), New South Wales (13.2%), and Western Australia (10.7%), but fell in Tasmania (-22.5%), Victoria (-13.9%), and South Australia (-11.5%).