Australian new-home sales rose for a second consecutive month in February.

Total new-home sales increased by 3.9% in February 2009, according to the latest survey by the Housing Industry Association.

The HIA said detached-home sales increased by 4.7% in the month and the sector was up by 8 per cent over the three months to February.

'The project-home building market is gaining much needed stimulus from low variable mortgage rates and the boost to the first-home owners grant,' said HIA chief economist, Harley Dale.

The Australian