Sunday, July 29, 2007

Home construction surges 8 percent in Victoria

Home construction activity in Victoria has surged seven per cent in 2006-07, figures show.
Building permit activity in the financial year to June 30 hit a record $16.7 billion, up from $15.6 billion in 2005-06, Building Commission data has revealed.
Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden said the figures reflected the state's booming growth. "Given our growing population, it is reassuring news that we will have a strong supply of new homes to ensure Victoria continues to have more affordable housing than the national average,'' Mr Madden said.
Building permit activity in metropolitan Melbourne was up 9.4 per cent, while outer Melbourne rose five per cent and regional Victoria remained solid.
In Melbourne, almost 40 per cent of activity was recorded in the inner suburbs while outer Melbourne comprised 36.8 per cent and regional Victoria, 23.4 per cent.
Statewide, permits for home construction jumped 7.9 per cent in the last financial year, while permits to build apartments fell 12.8 per cent.
Commercial permit activity rose 13.1 per cent, retail increased by 9.1 per cent and industrial permit activity surged 7.9 per cent.
There were 97 permits issued where building work was valued at more than $10 million, 10 of which were in regional Victoria. Share this article