Auckland led the national lift in new homes consented in 2025, accounting for more than half of New Zealand’s annual increase, according to new data from Stats NZ.

There were 36,619 new homes consented nationwide in the year ended December 2025, up 9.0 percent on the previous year.

Auckland recorded 15,617 consents, a 12 percent annual increase and the highest of any region.

Stats NZ economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said Auckland continued to hold a large share of national building activity.

The national increase was supported by a shift toward medium-density housing.

In 2025, 16,139 townhouses, flats, and units were consented, up 14 percent, alongside 2,359 apartments, up 19 percent.

Stand-alone house consents rose more modestly, increasing 5.4 percent to 16,635 homes.

More than half of Auckland’s new homes consented over the year were multi-unit dwellings, reflecting ongoing pressure to build up rather than out.

While the highest consent numbers sit elsewhere in Auckland, demand for housing continues to flow north, supporting further medium-density development around Silverdale, Orewa, and Whangaparaoa as infrastructure and transport projects come online.

On a population basis, Auckland consented 8.6 new homes per 1,000 residents.

Canterbury and Otago recorded the highest per-capita rates nationally, each at just over 10 new dwellings per 1,000 residents, compared with a national average of 6.9.

Stats NZ says consent levels remain sensitive to construction costs, financing conditions, and population growth, with medium-density housing playing a growing role in meeting demand.

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