South Australia has recorded another rise in housing approvals, with new figures showing nearly 15,000 homes were approved across the state in the year to February 2026.
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics building approvals data, 14,863 dwellings were approved in South Australia over the 12 months to February. That is up 10.4 per cent from 13,467 approvals in the previous year.
The latest figures also show a lift from month to month. A total of 1,306 homes were approved in February 2026, up 12.3 per cent compared with January.
South Australia’s annual increase is higher than the national rise in building approvals, which stood at 8.6 per cent over the same period.
The state government has linked the rise to planning reforms introduced through the Premier’s Housing Roadmap. Those changes were aimed at making land division and code amendment processes faster so new housing projects could move ahead more quickly.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the state was continuing to expand its housing supply, though he acknowledged that approvals alone would not solve housing pressures.
“We are getting on with the job of building more homes for South Australians,” he said.
“South Australia continues to outpace the nation in housing growth, but we know that approvals are just one part of the equation. The real test is turning them into keys in the door.
“That is exactly what our election platform to build more homes for South Australians will deliver.”
Housing Minister Nick Champion said the figures reflected demand across a range of buyers and regions.
“Every home approved could represent a first home buyer in the suburbs, a family looking to upsize, or a regional worker who just needs a place to live,” he said.
“Nearly 15,000 approvals in a year is a strong pipeline, but our job now is to convert every one of those into a finished home for these South Australians.
“These numbers don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of deliberate planning reforms that cut red tape and get shovels in the ground.”
While the increase in approvals is likely to be welcomed by the building industry, there are still concerns about whether homes can be completed quickly enough to ease pressure on renters and buyers.
Construction costs remain elevated and labour shortages continue to affect parts of the industry. Builders have also warned that supply chain delays and the cost of materials are still affecting some projects.
The Malinauskas Government has set a target of 13,500 housing completions each year. Reaching that figure will depend on how quickly approved developments can move from planning stages to construction.
The latest numbers suggest there is a growing pipeline of future housing across South Australia. Whether that leads to better affordability and improved access to housing will depend on how many of those approvals become finished homes over the next few years.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
