The trend estimate for the total value of dwelling finance commitments excluding alterations and additions fell 0.6%. Owner occupied housing commitments fell 0.2% and investment housing commitments fell 1.2%.

In seasonally adjusted terms, the total value of dwelling finance commitments excluding alterations and additions fell 2.1%.

In trend terms, the number of commitments for owner occupied housing finance fell 0.4% in August 2018.

In trend terms, the number of commitments for the purchase of new dwellings fell 1.9%, the number of commitments for the purchase of established dwellings fell 0.4%, while the number of commitments for the construction of dwellings rose 0.2%.

In original terms, the number of first home buyer commitments as a percentage of total owner occupied housing finance commitments fell to 17.8% in August 2018 from 18.0% in July 2018.