The total number of dwellings approved fell 0.3 per cent in April, after a 2.7 per cent rise in March, according to seasonally adjusted data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Daniel Rossi, ABS head of construction statistics, said: “Approvals for private houses fell 1.6 per cent.”
“Approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses also fell 1.1 per cent in April in seasonally adjusted terms.”
Total dwelling approvals fell in Tasmania (-16.1 per cent), New South Wales (-4.5 per cent) and Western Australia (-0.9 per cent). Rises were recorded in South Australia (13.9 per cent) and Queensland (5.0 per cent). Victoria was flat in April.
Meanwhile, approvals for private sector houses decreased in New South Wales (-5.0 per cent), Victoria (-2.0 per cent), Queensland (-0.2 per cent), and South Australia (-0.1 per cent), but rose in Western Australia (3.5 per cent).
The value of total building approved fell 3.8 per cent, following a 13.8 per cent rise in March. The value of total residential building fell 3.2 per cent, comprised of a 3.8 per cent drop in new residential building and a 0.4 per cent rise in alterations and additions.
The value of non-residential building approved fell 4.6 per cent, after a 21.7 per cent March rise.
