Building approvals a reality check for Hunter housing targets

Hunter house approvals fell 19 per cent, medium density approvals fell 34 per cent and apartments fell 36 per cent from their highest levels recorded between 2020 and 2022.

The Hunter's housing targets appear to be slipping out of reach, with data highlighting that building approvals are still falling short of peak levels.

Lower Hunter Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows there was a 24 per cent increase in house approvals and a 73 per cent increase in apartments in the 12 months to August. There was an 11 per cent fall in medium density building approvals for the same period.