The trend estimate for the total value of dwelling finance commitments excluding alterations and additions fell 1.1%. Owner occupied housing commitments fell 1.2% and investment housing commitments fell 0.9%.

In seasonally adjusted terms, the total value of dwelling finance commitments excluding alterations and additions fell 3.8%.

In trend terms, the number of commitments for owner occupied housing finance fell 0.5% in September 2018.

In trend terms, the number of commitments for the purchase of new dwellings fell 1.7%, the number of commitments for the construction of dwellings fell 1.0% and the number of commitments for the purchase of established dwellings fell 0.4%.

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