The number of new dwelling consents has hit a 10-year high nationwide.

There were almost 3,000 new dwelling consents issued last month.

That's a 24% increase on last July.

In Dunedin the numbers are reversed, with more consents issued last July than during the same month this year.

Over the last 12 months, almost 400 new dwelling consents have been issued in the city.

That's about the same number as those issued every month in Christchurch.