It’s the largest monthly gain since 2015, and Master Builders’ Deputy CEO, Paul Bidwell, believes the end of the boost to the First Home Owners’ Grant is a contributing factor. 

“We’re attributing the jump in numbers for new homes to people seeking to get their contracts over the line before the end of the boost,” Mr Bidwell explained. 

“Housing finance figures released yesterday also showed a surge in first home owner’s securing finance, which now appears to be topping out. 

“While only time and future numbers will tell, we believe this is evidence of the importance of the state government’s $5,000 boost for first home buyers. Let’s hope we don’t see a significant drop next month as a result.” 

The increase was almost entirely experienced in the south east, with Brisbane approvals up 58 per cent, rounded out by the Gold and Sunshine Coasts up 84 per cent and 30 percent respectively.  

“While south east Queensland is leading the charge, it’s good to see regions north of the Sunshine Coast are rebounding as well. 

“Dwelling approvals for Mackay and Whitsunday doubled over the previous 12 months; a continuation of its rebound from the region’s historic low in recent years. 

“Far North Queensland was another stand-out performer, up 27 per cent on the previous 12 months. 

“For the 12 months to the end of June approvals for detached houses continued to grow steadily – up seven per cent. 

“Not surprisingly units have fallen by ten per cent.”

The good news is that the overall approval figures for the 12 months (a total of 42,716) show that we are well on track to exceed Master Builders predicted forecast of 38,000 residential dwelling commencements, as outlined in our 2018 Building Industry Outlook.

Related reading:

Waste tax to push up cost of building

Void of high rise to be filled by houses in regional Queensland

Cairns building approvals stand out from the crowd