August 2025 Building Approval Breakdown
The latest data on dwelling approvals provides a clear picture of how Australia’s major states are balancing private sector housing with overall residential development.
In New South Wales, 1,752 private sector houses were approved out of a total of 3,637 dwellings. This indicates that less than half of new approvals were for detached homes, highlighting the state’s continued reliance on higher-density living, particularly in Sydney and surrounding growth corridors.
Victoria recorded the highest number of private sector houses at 2,654, representing nearly 69% of the state’s total 3,857 approvals. This reflects Melbourne’s strong demand for suburban housing, even as the state continues to expand medium- and high-density projects in the inner city.
Queensland reported 2,065 private houses out of 3,663 total dwellings. With a relatively even mix between detached homes and other dwelling types, the figures point to a balanced development trend. Brisbane and coastal regions remain strong drivers of this growth.
South Australia showed a modest 768 private houses compared to 1,126 total approvals. The high proportion of houses (68%) reflects Adelaide’s lower density urban profile compared to the eastern states.
Western Australia recorded 1,481 private sector houses, accounting for over 80% of its total 1,826 approvals. Perth continues to show a strong preference for detached suburban living, standing out as the state with the highest share of private houses relative to total approvals.
Overall, these figures highlight the differences in housing preferences and development strategies across Australia. While Victoria and Queensland lead in raw numbers, Western Australia demonstrates the strongest emphasis on detached housing, whereas New South Wales leans heavily towards apartments and other dwelling types.
Source: ABS
