WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand will drastically ease zoning restrictions in a bid to “flood the market” with land for homes and override the powers of local councils to curb development, the nation's housing minister said in announcing reforms to what he called one of the world’s least affordable housing markets.
Councils will also be barred from imposing urban limits on cities and forced to permit mixed-use development, with an end to rules mandating balconies and minimum sizes for apartments, in a suite of changes widely endorsed by analysts.
“At one point in time, it would be, ‘I want house prices to be affordable for my children, but I don’t want my house price to fall,’” said Shamubeel Eaqub, an independent economist who specializes in housing. “But I think there is a general recognition that things have gotten so far out of kilter that something has to change.”
“Labour is open to any measure that will lead to more housing and will lend support where it is likely to work, but not at the expense of building standards or loss of elite productive soil,” he added, referring to the relaxation of urban limits into rural areas. Bishop said building standards would remain unchanged.
9 out of 10 voters say there are important differences between Biden and Trump. Here’s what they see as the biggest ones 'Disgusted' Ana Navarro slams Democrat 'divas' urging Joe Biden to drop out: 'Call the f---ing White House'