Highest number of new houses for over four years

The number of new houses consented in October 2012 was the highest for any month in over four years, Statistics New Zealand said today.

"There were 1,639 new houses consented in October," industry and labour statistics manager Blair Cardno said. "This was the highest we've seen in over four years – since May 2008."

"When we compare these figures with the same time last year, the number of new houses in October increased 32 percent," Mr Cardno said. "There is a clear trend over the last 19 months, which shows an increase in new houses, both including and excluding apartments."

Housing consent numbers for October 2012, compared with October 2011, were:

• 1,639 new houses, including apartments (up 32 percent)
• 1,471 new houses, excluding apartments (up 28 percent)
• 168 new apartments (up from 89).

Canterbury led the increase in new houses in October 2012, up 122 from a year ago. Across New Zealand, the number of apartments rose by 79.

Following a moderate increase in September 2012, the seasonally adjusted number of new houses, including apartments, had a small decrease of 1.5 percent in October 2012. Excluding apartments, the seasonally adjusted number of new houses decreased 2.0 percent.

Earthquake-related building consents in Canterbury totalled $52 million in October 2012.

The value of non-residential building consents in October 2012 was $392 million, up 42 percent compared with October 2011.

Data for building consents is obtained from all territorial authorities in New Zealand.