Media Release
From the Building Commissioner
21 October 2010
Domestic and residential building permit activity strong
Domestic and residential building permit activity was strong in August 2010.
Releasing the pulse data today, Building Commissioner Tony Arnel announced that 9,477
building permits were issued in August 2010.
“These permits had a total value of $1.9 billion, at the same high levels recorded in August
2009,” Mr Arnel said.
“Activity in August 2010 was driven by domestic and residential building permits.
“Compared to August 2009, domestic building permits jumped 13 per cent to $1.1 billion and
residential building permits increased 166 per cent to $189 million.
“Healthcare building permits also recorded a 20 per cent increase to $43 million compared to
August 2009.”
By building use, building permit figures for August 2010 compared to August 2009 show:
Domestic (houses) rose by 13 per cent to $1.1 billion
Residential (including high rise) increased by 166 per cent to $189 million
Commercial decreased by 11 per cent to $159 million
Retail fell 29 per cent to $64 million
Industrial decreased by 30 per cent to $19 million
Hospital/healthcare increased by 20 per cent to $43 million
Public buildings were down 46 per cent to $242 million
By region, building permit figures for August 2010 compared to August 2009 show:
Inner Melbourne rose 10 per cent to $709 million
Outer Melbourne increased 5 per cent to $744 million
South West decreased 25 per cent to $107 million.
North West fell 47 per cent to $57 million
North Central decreased 33 per cent to $74 million
North East increased 2 per cent to $72 million
Gippsland rose 20 per cent to $101 million
Mr Arnel said that despite the decreases across some building uses, the 2010 calendar year to
August 2010 clearly shows Victoria is experiencing strong levels of building activity.
“From a calendar year perspective the level of building permits issued in 2010 is
unprecedented, with five of the eight months to date exceeding $2 billion,” Mr Arnel said.
“In February, March, May, June and July the value of building permits issued in those months
exceeded $2 billion.
“In the calendar year to August 2010, building permits to a value of $15.9 billion have been
issued, an increase of 21 per cent on the same period last year, and almost 75,000 building
permits were issued, an increase of 14 per cent.”
ENDS
The Building Commission collects Victorian building information monthly from building surveyors who
provide details of building permits they issue. This media release is based on a summary of this
information.
For more information on building statistics or to interview the Deputy Building Commissioner, phone
Chelsea Toomey on 9618 9296 or 0418 271 988, or visit the Building Commission’s pulse website. For
NEWS 
