ABS figures released today show loans for new dwellings in ACT were up in June, despite remaining flat over the quarter.

The figures also found June saw the biggest numbers of first-home buyers of any month this year.

HIA ACT executive director Mr Neil Evans said in the month of June 2011, the total number of seasonally adjusted loans for the purchase and construction of new dwellings jumped by 5.7 per cent. However, the volume of loans was down by 0.3 per cent in the June 2011 quarter compared with the March 2011 quarter.

“Despite the flat June 2011 quarter, the number of loans for new homes and construction are 11.9 per cent higher than in the June quarter in 2010,” Mr Evans said.

“Meanwhile, the number of owner-occupier loans issued for all dwellings (net of refinancing) also grew by 1.4 per cent in June 2011 to be up 4.9 per cent over the June 2011 quarter.

“First home buyers appear to be returning to the market with loans to first home buyers rising by 6.0 per cent.

“The June 2011 result provided the greatest number of first home buyers of any month this year.”