ABS data released today shows residential dwelling approvals continuing to strengthen in Victoria, recording a 19.2 per cent growth in approvals in the 12 months to August 2016.

According to the figures, there were a total of 6,348 residential dwellings approved in August 2016 across Victoria, including 3,422 detached houses and 3,016 apartments and units. This represents an increase of 2.7 per cent from the previous month.

In August, approvals of new houses continued its upward trend, having increased by around 7 per cent from July 2016, and 14.2 per cent from a year earlier.

Apartments and units approvals, in comparison, recorded a mild dip of around -1.9 per cent compared to those for the previous month.  Nonetheless, the 3,016 apartments and units approved in July 2016 represented a year-on-year growth of 25.4 per cent.