The number of consented new dwellings is at its highest level since August 2007.

Statistics New Zealand has released the latest data, showing the trend for new dwellings has doubled in the last three years.

Last month there were more than 100 new dwellings consented in Otago, including 29 in Dunedin.

But the highest numbers were recorded in Canterbury and Auckland, both with more than 500.

Overall the seasonally adjusted number of consented new dwellings rose 3.5%.

Almost $1.3b worth of building work was consented.