A new programme financing large housing developments could bring some light back to the building sector

The Residential Development Underwrite enables eligible developers to access funds needed to deliver houses on time.

Only developments with at least 30 houses qualify and the developer has to provide evidence it needs support.

New Zealand Certified Builders chief executive Malcolm Fleming says any measure to stimulate residential construction is encouraging.

He says builders and those at the front end of projects - like designers and architects - are looking for work and want to get on with it.