Australian Building Consents lead to negative outlook for building sector
2 July 2008
Australian building approvals fell 6.5% in May compared to a 7.8% rise in April. This equated to 12,438 units in May, seasonally adjusted, down from 13,308 in April. The market forecast was for a 3.0% decrease.
Over the year to May 2008 building approvals rose 0.2%.
Economists are suggesting the current economic climate is likely to hamper the construction sector in coming months due to elevated material costs and high interest rates.