Australia: housing

Is Australia on track to build 1.2 million homes?

The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council estimates that the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes will be reached in the December quarter 2030, one quarter later than it expected in April, according to its Quarterly Report of 21 August 2026. About 308,000 new homes had been completed since the Accord started, around one quarter of the target.

The Council reports that quarterly building approvals have risen 26% and commencements 15% since the start of the Accord period, and that 244,000 dwellings were under construction in the March quarter 2026, the highest since records began in 1984.

Official sources: NHSAC: Quarterly Report, August 2026

How many homes are being approved in Australia?

Total dwellings approved in Australia fell 6.1% to 16,953 in August 2026 (seasonally adjusted), according to the ABS, but were 10.3% higher than a year earlier. Private sector house approvals rose 3.7% to 10,885, while approvals for apartments and other private dwellings excluding houses fell 21.2% to 5,674.

Approvals are an early indicator of future building, but not every approved dwelling is built. Apartment approvals swing sharply from month to month because a single large project can add hundreds of units. The ABS also publishes the value of residential building approved, which fell 0.6% to $11.30 billion.

Official sources: ABS: Building Approvals, Australia, August 2026

How many new homes are being started in Australia?

Total dwelling commencements in Australia rose 7.0% to 52,201 in the June quarter 2026 (seasonally adjusted), according to the ABS Building Activity release of 7 October 2026. New private sector house commencements rose 11.6% to 31,707, while other private residential commencements, mainly apartments and townhouses, fell 0.1% to 19,126.

A commencement is counted when building work starts on site. The release also reports completions, work in the pipeline and average construction times. The value of total building work done rose 1.1% to $45.8 billion in the quarter.

Official sources: ABS: Building Activity, Australia, June 2026

What percentage of Australians own their home?

66% of Australian households owned their home, with or without a mortgage, in 2019-20, according to the ABS Housing Occupancy and Costs release. 31% of households rented. Average weekly housing costs were $493 for owners with a mortgage, $54 for owners without a mortgage and $379 for renters.

This is the latest release from the ABS Survey of Income and Housing; the ABS has said outputs will not be released from the 2023-24 survey. Home ownership by household is also counted in the five-yearly Census, and the 2026 Census results are due from 2027. The rate counts households, not people.

Official sources: ABS: Housing Occupancy and Costs, 2019-20

How many people are homeless in Australia?

An estimated 122,494 people were experiencing homelessness in Australia on Census night in 2021, according to the ABS. Males made up 55.9% and females 44.1%, and 23.0% were aged 12 to 24.

The ABS estimate uses a broad definition that includes people in severely crowded dwellings, supported accommodation and temporary lodging, as well as people sleeping rough. The Census took place on 10 August 2021 under COVID-19 restrictions, which affected some living arrangements. Estimates from the 2026 Census will follow. The AIHW publishes monthly data on people using specialist homelessness services.

Official sources: ABS: Estimating Homelessness: Census, 2021

What share of Australia is urban?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is 87.7%. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 63.1%; Australia is 4th highest of 30. Worldwide: 27th of 193.

How many people in Australia live in slums?

The latest figure from UN-Habitat, for 2022, is 0.0%. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2006. It is 25th highest of 27 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 17.9%. Worldwide: 151st of 170.

What is the electricity access rate in Australia?

In 2024, the share of people with access to electricity in Australia was 100.0%, according to the World Bank. It has not changed since 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 100.0%, and Australia placed 1st highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 1st of 193.

How many people in Australia have a safe toilet?

The latest figure from WHO and UNICEF, for 2024, is 95.8%. That is the highest since at least 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 60.5%; Australia is 4th highest of 21. Of 134 countries with 2024 data, 22nd highest.

How many people in Australia cook with wood or charcoal?

According to the WHO, the share of people using clean cooking fuels in Australia was 100.0% in 2024. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 1st highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 82.0%. World rank, highest first: 1st of 192.