Real Estate in QLD 'Boosted by ABS Figures'

More homes for sale may come on the market in Queensland in the near future, following new data that shows building approvals in the state are on the rise.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed the total number of dwellings nationwide climbed for the first time this year, with a 0.5 per cent increase in trend terms in Queensland.

Figures for the state's private sector housing market were particularly encouraging, with a 0.2 per cent rise being the first positive movement since February 2012.

Treasurer and minister for trade Tim Nicholls welcomed the news, saying it marked 15 months of consecutive growth in approvals.

"Trend approvals are now 11.6 per cent higher over the year to April, well above the national average of 6.3 per cent," he stated.

"On the more volatile seasonally adjusted basis, Queensland is also showing a 13.5 per cent increase in dwelling approvals in the 12 months to April 2013."

The treasurer claimed the improvements are linked to the Newman government's initiatives to boost the construction and property sectors.

These include the reintroduction of the Principal Place of Residence Concession, a scheme that had been scrapped by the outgoing Labor government.

Mr Nicholls said the measure has helped 33,000 families to save up to $7,175 when buying houses for sale in Queensland.

He also pointed to the implementation of the $15,000 Great Start Grant in the 2012-13 state budget as being important in revitalising the local construction industry.

The money is given to prospective first home owners purchasing new properties or building their own dwelling that is valued at less than $750,000, with off-the-plan real estate included.

"We're also reforming state planning legislation to streamline processes by allowing developers to deal with one single office, thus reducing the complexity and increasing the certainty of development outcomes," Mr Nicholls added.