Consents Down After a Surge

Building Consents Issued: April 2005
Consents Down After a Surge

Consents for both residential and non-residential building were lower in April 2005 after a surge of consents in March, Statistics New Zealand said today.

Consents for 1,617 new dwelling units were issued in April 2005, the lowest since January 2002.

This month's low figure follows a high March month. On 31 March 2005 consent application fees were increased as a result of an increase in the Department of Building and Housing levy, along with new building requirements through the Building Act 2004. These changes apply to consents issued on or after 31 March 2005 and may have contributed to the high number of consents issued prior to the changes.

Consents for 154 new apartment units were issued in April 2005, comprising 10 percent of all new dwelling units.

The total value of consents issued for non-residential buildings was $228 million in April 2005, down $12 million (5 percent) from April 2004. The largest contributor to this value was shops, restaurants and taverns, with $63 million.

The total value of consents issued for all buildings in April 2005 was $663 million, down $111 million (14 percent) from April 2004. Residential buildings contributed 66 percent to the total value of all buildings, compared with 69 percent in April 2004.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

ENDS

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