The number of people applying for social housing has increased but Paula Bennett, the minister in charge of them, says that's because more people are becoming aware that help is available.

The latest social housing register data shows the number of people seeking homes stood at 4602 at the end of September, up 725 or 18.7 per cent on the June quarter.

Another 1168 already in social housing were seeking a transfer to another house.

"An increase in the number of applicants shows people in urgent need of housing are becoming more aware that help is available to them and are seeking it out," the social housing minister said.

"These latest figures reflect the current housing market and intense demand for accommodation, particularly in Auckland."

Ms Bennett says the main reason given was that their current accommodation was inadequate or unsuitable.

"In the past year we have placed 6225 households off the social housing register into social housing," Ms Bennett said.

"In the last quarter alone, 1646 households were housed."