There were 2,824 new dwellings consented nationally in July 2015, up 24 percent compared with July 2014, Statistics New Zealand said today.

"This was the highest number of new dwellings consented in a month since March 2005," business indicators manager Neil Kelly said. "It was boosted by apartments and townhouses, flats, and units."

New dwellings consented in July 2015, compared with July 2014:

nationally, up 542 (24 percent) to 2,824

Auckland, up 267 (31 percent) to 1,116

Waikato, up 85 (40 percent) to 296.

In seasonally adjusted terms, the number was up 20 percent from June 2015.

The total value of consents for all buildings in July 2015 was $1.4 billion. This comprised $976 million for residential buildings and $455 million for non-residential buildings.