Building work done on multi-unit dwellings rose by almost one-fifth during 2012, according to data released this by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The figures show that the seasonally adjusted value of new residential building work done rose 1.7 per cent to $9,909.8m in the December quarter 2012.
Work done on new houses rose 2.3 per cent to $6,418.9m, while new other residential building rose 0.5 per cent to $3,490.9m.
The total number of dwelling units commenced fell 2.3 per cent in the December quarter, seasonally adjusted, following a rise of 7.4 per cent in the September quarter.
Nevertheless, this represents a rise of 7.9 per cent from December quarter 2011 to December quarter 2012.
The seasonally adjusted estimate for new private sector house commencements fell 0.4 per cent in the December quarter following a rise of 6.1 per cent in the September quarter. Over the twelve months this indicates a rise of 1.9 per cent.
The seasonally adjusted estimate for new private sector 'other residential' or 'multi-unit' building fell 4.5 per cent in the December quarter following a rise of 6.4 per cent in the December quarter.
Despite the drop, multi-unit building lifted by a whopping 17.8 per cent over the year to the end December quarter 2012.
Taking a look around the states, the number of dwelling commencements (seasonally adjusted) increased by 0.3 per cent in Victoria, 0.4 per cent in Queensland, 40.1 per cent in South Australia and 5.6 per cent in Western Australia. Starts fell by 9.3 per cent in New South Wales, 17.4 per cent in Tasmania, 7.4 per cent in the Northern Territory and 48.8 per cent in the ACT.