FEWER people have taken a plunge towards new home builds whereas existing homeowners are holding off on adding new features as they navigate the coronavirus uncertainty.
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Wagga builder Wayne Carter said people are still inquiring about new housing developments, however the take up has been down compared to usual.
Based on feedback Mr Carter has heard homebuilders are still interested, but rather than building immediately, he said people want to wait a month or so before moving forward.
"People are asking questions about planning ahead in lieu of building straight away because of the uncertainty of the economic impact this health situation could have," he said.
"They seem to be more hesitant because of the uncertainty rather than the direct impact it's having on the area.
"In the present environment that we are coming to grips with and the positive feedback coming from the state and federal government, I think people will start building again sooner rather than later."
The number of development applications submitted to Wagga council had plummeted last month with only 47 received compared to the 74 last year.
Development assessment and building certification manager Paul O'Brien said the drop came down to fewer people adding new features to their home such as carports, verandas and garden sheds.
He said submissions for dwellings, industrial and commercial developments were unaffected by the pandemic, which was a promising sign for the city.
"When you are in a lockdown situation or stay-at-home order, people are not necessarily thinking about building a garden shed, a new pergola and getting those things under way," he said.
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"But the statistics don't show us that there is any downturn trend and it puts confidence in the Wagga market.
"I am confident that as a city we will come out the other side of this and continue to grow and be strong."