Stats NZ reported on 3 November 2026 that the seasonally adjusted number of new dwellings consented declined 7.9% in September after a 5.3% increase in August. There were 3,570 new dwellings consented during September. In the year ended September, 41,091 new homes were consented, up 18% from the previous year, while the annual value of non-residential building work consented fell 3.1% to NZ$8.7 billion. The monthly decline and stronger annual count highlight different time horizons; a building consent is not proof that construction has started.
New Zealand's seasonally adjusted dwelling consents fell 7.9% in September 2026, reversing a 5.3% increase in August, according to Stats NZ. A total of 3,570 new homes were approved during the month. Despite the monthly decline, annual dwelling consents rose 18% to 41,091 in the year ended September, indicating stronger activity over the longer term. Meanwhile, the annual value of non-residential building consents declined 3.1% to NZ$8.7 billion. These approvals reflect planned construction rather than completed projects.

