Annual total dips despite quarterly growth in new housing
While market reports point to a cautious housing recovery in 2025, Stats NZ data showed new home consents fell 3.3% annually to 34,062.
The decrease highlighted ongoing pressure on construction pipelines, driven by factors such as high inflation, elevated construction costs, and labour shortages, though recent quarterly data suggested a modest rebound may be underway.
North Island housing consents fall, while South Island builds rise
Breaking down the figures, the North Island recorded 23,570 new home consents, a 7.1% decline compared with the previous year. In contrast, the South Island posted a 6.4% increase, with 10,491 new homes consented.
“The increase in the South Island was driven by higher numbers of new homes consented in Otago, Tasman, and Canterbury compared with the same period last year,” said Michelle Feyen (pictured), Stats NZ economic indicators spokesperson.
Otago, New Zealand's top-performing regional economy, led the regional growth, setting a new record.
“In the 12 months to March 2025, 2,556 new homes were consented in Otago—the highest number ever recorded for the region,” Feyen said.
Quarterly home consents rise 6% year-on-year
In the March quarter, 8,179 new homes were consented—up 6% from the same quarter last year, Stats NZ data showed.
This included:
- 3,642 stand-alone houses (up 5.7% year-on-year)
- 4,537 multi-unit homes (up 6.3%)
Multi-unit homes include townhouses, apartments, retirement village units, and flats. The breakdown:
- 3,597 townhouses, flats, and units (up 7.2%)
- 267 retirement village units (down 28%)
- 673 apartments (up 23%)
Seasonal trends show positive shift after December dip
In seasonally adjusted terms, new home consents rose 3.3% in the March 2025 quarter, following a 3.3% fall in the December 2024 quarter.
Stand-alone house consents also showed signs of stabilisation, rising 1.5% in March after a sharp 9.7% decline in the previous quarter.
See the latest figures on Stats NZ.
