property + asset management

A housing accord for the tourism capital

May 27, 2014

Unaffordable Queenstown goes on the list for a Special Housing Area
Affordable housing remains a big issue for Queenstown but there may be some relief.
While many temporary and long term residents are generally wealthier than in other parts of the country, affordable housing has always been a big problem for the cleaners, builders, retail staff, teachers and other people who provide services to the community.
Housing Minister Nick Smith met mayor Vanessa van Uden last Friday to talk about housing accords and the Special Housing Areas Act 2013.
Ms van Uden says having one of the highest median house prices in New Zealand of $664,000 is exacerbated by a median income level that is only approximately 84% of the national average.
“We need to ensure that there is both good quality rental stock for the more transient tourism workers, along with a good mix of high and medium density housing for the families who are settling here,” she says.
She says ways to help speed up projects include higher-density accommodation and streamlining consenting.
The government recently concluded housing accords with councils in Auckland and Christchurch and is having discussions with Wellington and Bay of Plenty councils.
The accords are statements of intent. The agreement in Christchurch has yet to be ratified.

National Business Review: Chris Hutching for NBR NZ Property Investor | Tuesday May 13, 2014