New Zealand records over 40,000 new home consents, up 19% year‑on‑year

More than 40,000 new homes were consented in New Zealand in the year to June, a 19 % increase over the previous year and the first time since 2023 that the 40,000‑home threshold was surpassed. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk highlighted strong growth across stand‑alone homes, townhouses and retirement villages, calling it a “significant turnaround” for a sector that had struggled since 2022. Stats NZ data, together with SEEK figures showing a 35.1 % rise in construction job advertisements, point to expanding employment and economic opportunities.

The government announced a suite of reforms to sustain the momentum: allowing the use of trusted overseas building products, setting a mandatory target that 80 % of building inspections be completed within three working days, and easing competition for private Building Consent Authorities. New legislation will replace joint and several liability with proportionate liability, introduce mandatory home warranties and professional indemnity insurance, and create a fast‑track 10‑working‑day consent pathway for new homes with solar or other sustainable features.