---
source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
url: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/building-and-construction/building-approvals-australia/latest-release
document_type: html
date_retrieved: 2026-04-10
period_reference: February 2026
period_release: April 2026
parent_publication: Building Approvals, Australia (8731.0)
indicators_covered: ["414939","401355","394617"]
status: complete
verified: true
payload_match: all three actuals confirmed
---

# Building Approvals, Australia — February 2026

## Key Findings

The February 2026 seasonally adjusted estimate shows total dwellings approved rose 29.7%, after falling 7.2% in January. Private sector house approvals rose 0.2%, following a 1.7% January increase. Private sector dwellings excluding houses approvals rose 101.2% after falling 25.0% in January. In trend terms, total dwellings approved rose 1.2% and private sector houses rose 0.9%.

## Data — February 2026 (Seasonally Adjusted)

| Metric | Feb 2026 (no.) | Monthly change (%) | Yearly change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Seasonally adjusted** | | | |
| Total dwelling units approved | 19,022 | **29.7** | **14.0** |
| Private sector houses | 9,847 | **0.2** | 6.1 |
| Private sector dwellings excluding houses | 8,922 | 101.2 | 24.6 |
| **Trend** | | | |
| Total dwelling units approved | 17,566 | 1.2 | 13.2 |
| Private sector houses | 9,840 | 0.9 | 7.5 |
| Private sector dwellings excluding houses | 7,422 | 1.7 | 22.4 |


## Context

Building approvals are a leading indicator for construction activity and economic activity in the residential and non-residential sectors. The ABS collects monthly data on building work valued above certain thresholds, providing both seasonally adjusted and trend estimates.

- **Seasonally adjusted**: Removes regular seasonal patterns to reveal underlying movements
- **Trend**: Smooths irregular volatility to show longer-term direction

For the grouped events in this payload:
- **Event 414939** (Private House Approvals MoM Final) → 0.2% change in private sector houses (seasonally adjusted)
- **Event 401355** (Building Permits MoM Final) → 29.7% change in total dwellings MoM (seasonally adjusted)
- **Event 394617** (Building Permits YoY Final) → 14.0% change in total dwellings YoY (seasonally adjusted)

All three payload values match the ABS release figures exactly.

*Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), catalogue 8731.0. Retrieved 10 April 2026 from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/building-and-construction/building-approvals-australia/latest-release*