According to the latest ABS data, housing approvals in NSW rose 23 per cent year-on-year, underpinned by a strong increase in low and medium density developments. This includes a 49.2 per cent increase in new apartment buildings.

In September alone, seasonally adjusted construction approvals in NSW jumped 30.4%, from 3,680 dwellings in August to 4,800 dwellings – one of the largest monthly increases in the country.

The latest approval numbers follow on from official figures released last month that showed NSW having the highest number of homes under construction, more than 75,000.

The Minns Government has led a strong reform agenda to increase housing supply, speed up development assessment timeframes and make it easier to access construction finance.

It has also introduced the NSW Planning System reform Bill to create a modern, faster and fairer planning system in NSW.

While the most recent ABS figures show a growing pipeline of housing across the state, there is still a long way to go.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so people have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is a strong sign that NSW’s planning reforms are working, we’re approving more homes, more quickly, and in the right places.

“However, there is still more work to do. We need the NSW Planning System Reform Bill to pass the upper house to further streamline the planning system.

“Breaking through the 50,000 mark for the first time in more than two years shows that confidence is returning to the housing sector.

“The uplift in multi-unit approvals tells us our focus on well-located, medium-density and apartment housing is starting to pay dividends. These homes are essential if we’re going to meet our targets and give more people the chance to live near where they work.”