The 13.9 hectare multi-million dollar home for sale at Te Rere Cove, Church Bay, Waiheke Island.

Households are being placed under intolerable pressure by rates rises that substantially exceed the rate of inflation.

Columnist spurs borrowers to demand lower interest rates.

Reserve Bank figures show household debt, which is 94 per cent mortgages, is still 141.7 per cent of disposable income.

The difference between those people who get on and get ahead isn't always rich parents who paid for a good education or house deposit.

Experts back claim that New Zealand houses are affordable again - but warn the sweet spot won't last.