In the September quarter 2025, projects comprising 1,719 multi-unit dwellings commenced construction across the Territory, marking the third-strongest quarter on record for multi-unit dwelling starts in the ACT.
Geordan Murray, HIA Executive Director ACT & Southern NSW, said the result was encouraging but should be interpreted with caution.
“This is a very strong result for multi-unit construction in the ACT, and on the face of it, it’s a welcome sign that larger projects are finally moving through the pipeline.”
Mr Murray said the timing of the uplift suggested it may not reflect a sustained improvement in market conditions.
“It’s quite possible that some developers have brought projects forward to get ahead of the commencement of the Government’s Developer Licensing Scheme. If that’s the case, this spike may be more about timing than a genuine recovery in confidence.”
The data also highlights a stark divergence between apartment construction and detached housing.
“What’s particularly concerning is that there has been no comparable pickup in detached house starts. Commencements in the quarter were only fractionally above the very low levels recorded a year earlier, which shows how weak conditions remain in the detached housing market.
“Apartments and townhouses will play a vital role in meeting housing demand, especially as Canberra pursues infill and density targets. But the disconnect between multi-unit and detached housing activity shows just how fragile the broader supply pipeline still is.
“The real test will be whether this rebound can be sustained once new regulatory settings are in place, or whether we see activity fall away again,” Mr Murray concluded.
