HOUSING approvals have continued to climb to record heights in Wyndham as the industry emerges from the global financial crisis unscathed.

The council issued a massive 528 dwelling permits in October to bring the total this calendar year to 3867.

The figure is a record for October and is the second highest number of monthly approvals ever issued.

A staggering 535 permits were granted during August.

The 12-month running total from November 2008 to October 2009 has reached 4397 approvals.

Mayor Shane Bourke said the figures would likely cause Wyndham’s population to boom further.

“Typically, about 94 per cent of approved dwellings are built and if that pattern continues Wyndham could see over 4000 new homes completed in the 2009-2010 financial year,” Cr Bourke said.

“As more land is released by developers and the State Government’s Urban Growth Boundary is extended, the number of approvals is expected to continue to be high.”

“This continuing increase in population will put further pressure on our infrastructure and services and council will continue to work closely with the State and Federal Governments to ensure adequate funding is providing to accommodate our growing community.”

The UGB will accommodate 284,000 more dwellings in growth areas with most to be located in Wyndham.

The population stood at 137,758 as of June and is expected to exceed 245,000 by 2021.

Cr Bourke said housing affordability and proximity to the Melbourne CBD were some of the driving forces behind people moving to the municipality.

A NAB and RP data report has revealed Werribee is one of the best value suburbs to buy a house for under $500,000.

The Federal Government had extended the First Home Owners Scheme for six months in the May Budget.

The boost has been phased out from October to allow the market to re-adjust gradually.