Economists say the number of housing permits is continuing its gradual recovery, bolstered by low interest rates and migrants.
Official figures show consents for new houses and apartments rose a seasonally-adjusted 30% to 1,399 in February compared with the same period a year ago.
Excluding volatile apartment numbers, consents jumped 57% - its highest level since May 2008.
Despite the strong numbers, Goldman Sachs JB Were economist Philip Borkin says growth in the housing market is coming off a low base.
Apartment permits totaled 13 in the month - its lowest level in nearly 15 years, which analysts say reflects an overhang of second-hand apartments.
The value of residential consents, including alterations and additions, jumped 35% to $484 million in February. Non-residential consents slumped 17% to $317 million.
Research director at Colliers International Alan McMahon says this area normally lags the broader economic pick-up.
