New Zealand has recorded more than 40,000 new homes consented over a 12-month period for the first time since 2023, pointing to a strengthening pipeline of new housing.
According to Stats NZ, 40,581 new homes were consented in the year ended June 2026, up 19.4% compared with the previous year.
But the type of housing being approved has changed significantly over the past decade.
Of the homes consented in the latest 12-month period, 45.9% were standalone houses and 54.1% were multi-unit homes. Back in June 2016, the proportions were very different – standalone houses accounted for 71.6% of consents and multi-unit homes just 28.4%.
Why housing has changed
The shift towards townhouses, apartments and other multi-unit developments reflects the way New Zealand’s housing needs have evolved.
Building several homes on one site allows land to be used more intensively, which can increase housing supply in established areas. Multi-unit developments can also provide buyers with alternatives to standalone houses, particularly in locations where land is expensive.
For the property market, a larger pipeline of new homes could gradually give buyers more choice. However, a building consent does not necessarily mean construction will begin immediately – or at all – so consent figures are best viewed as an indication of future supply rather than a guarantee.
What buyers need to know about finance
Financing a new build can work differently from purchasing an existing property.
A buyer purchasing a completed new home may be able to arrange a mortgage in much the same way as for an established property. However, buying off the plan can involve a long gap between signing the contract and settlement, so purchasers need to understand how changes to their finances or lending conditions could affect their approval.
Those building their own home may instead require a construction loan, where funds are generally released progressively as work is completed rather than provided as a single lump sum.
With more new housing entering the pipeline, buyers may have an increasingly diverse range of properties to consider. Anyone exploring a new build, townhouse or apartment is welcome to contact me to discuss their borrowing options – and we’d appreciate an introduction if you have a client who could benefit from some guidance.
