Housing consent numbers continue to decline

Building consent statistics show there were 1,173 new housing units authorised in October 2008, StatisticsNew Zealand said today.

This is the lowest monthly total since January 1992.In October 2008, the seasonally adjusted number of authorised new housing units excluding apartments fell7.1 percent compared with September 2008.

There were 50 apartment units authorised in October 2008.

This is the lowest monthly total since April2000, apart from March 2008 when there were also 50 apartment units authorised.

For the year ended October 2008, the value of consents issued for residential buildings fell $1,192 million(15 percent), while the value for non-residential buildings rose $301 million (7.2 percent), compared with theyear ended October 2007.

Dallas Welch (Mrs)Acting Government Statistician

28 November 2008

END

See also the Hot Off The Press information release Building Consents Issued: October 2008