CHRIS THOMSON

Western Australia was one of only two states or territories to record a rise in new home sales in the leadup to Christmas.

Housing Industry Association figures released today show the number of new homes sold in WA rose 6.8 per cent in seasonally-adjusted terms over the month of December.

WA’s growth rate was second only to the 12 per cent spike in South Australia which was the only other jurisdiction where new home sales did not contract.

The HIA survey of Australia’s largest 100 residential builders showed the volume of sales nationally fell by a seasonally-adjusted 4.9 per cent.

The increased number of new homes sold in WA did not correspond to a rise in home sales values in Perth, however.

RP Data figures released yesterday showed Perth was the weakest capital city performer over the December quarter with a drop in home sales values of 2.1 per cent in seasonally-adjusted terms.

On a slightly more positive note for vendors, that rate improved when the month of December only was taken into account. In seasonally-adjusted terms, Perth housing prices dropped 1.6 per cent over the month.