Top of the South ‘housing stress’study

Rapidly rising house prices at the top of the South Island have resulted in a Government-funded research agency calling for a study into the matter.

The Centre for Housing Research is offering between $150,000 and $180,000 for the study. A $90,000 Ministry of Economic Development grant forms part of the cash.

The centre wants to know more about the affordability crisis in the Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman regions, where house prices have climbed rapidly since 2001.

The agency wants a study to identify the nature, scale and extent of "housing stress" being experienced by people in the areas.

The centre also wants researchers to talk to local authorities and Government agencies, particularly those from the Housing Corporation. It also wants liaison with voluntary and community groups, employers and the building industry.

It then wants researchers to propose solutions to the problem.

Real Estate Institute figures show average house prices to be climbing at one of the fastest paces nationally. Figures released last month showed Nelson house prices 50 per cent up on the same time last year. Homes are still selling fast, despite predictions of a downturn. The centre hopes to have the report by next May.

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