ABS data reveals building approvals fell 6 per cent in October

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed that work hasn’t been easy to come by in this essential industry.

The total number of dwellings approved fell 6 per cent last month, following an 8.1 per cent drop in September, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

“The result was driven by private sector dwellings, excluding houses, which decreased 11.3 per cent (to 5781),” ABS director of construction statistics Daniel Rossi said on Wednesday.

“Approvals for private sector houses fell 2.2 per cent (to 9430).”

Private sector dwellings excluding houses can include semi-detached, row or terrace houses, townhouses and apartments.

Total dwelling approvals in NSW, Queensland and Tasmania dropped significantly by as much as -18.8 per cent.

But South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia experienced increases as high as 17.6 per cent.

Dwellings approved by building type. Picture: ABS

STATE BREAKDOWN FOR TOTAL DWELLING APPROVALS:

• NSW -18.8 per cent
• Queensland -18.7 per cent
• Tasmania -10.5 per cent
• SA 17.6 per cent
• Victoria 5.8 per cent
• WA 5.7 per cent

Private sector house approvals fell in Queensland (-13.8 per cent) and WA (-0.4 per cent).

But Victoria (1.1 per cent), NSW (0.2 per cent), and SA (0.2 per cent) were slightly up in October.

The value of total building approvals fell 0.2 per cent, following a 7.1 per cent decrease in September.

Meanwhile, the value of total residential building approvals fell 2.1 per cent.

That includes a 2.7 per cent decrease in new residential buildings and a 1.4 per cent increase in alterations and additions.

The value of non-residential building approvals climbed 2.6 per cent after a 6.9 per cent rise in September.