March 30, 2020

NZ Urban Development News - 16 April

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Hi *|FNAME|*, Please find below Urban Development News from the media from the week of 16 April 2019.

Provided by Rockhopper

First residents move into Christchurch's east frame at last

The last few weeks have seen the first two households move into their new homes in the Crown-run rebuild repopulation project.

Being built by chosen developer Fletcher Living, the east frame is intended to eventually have 900 homes and about 2000 residents.

Of the first 20 townhouses built next to the Christchurch Club opposite Latimer Square, two have so far sold and a third is under contract. They are priced between $1.15 million and $1.6m, with those sold at the lower end of the bracket.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/property/111277292/first-residents-move-into-christchurchs-east-frame-at-last

Infrastructure Commission a step closer

Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones has welcomed the first reading of the Bill to establish New Zealand’s Infrastructure Commission in Parliament today.

The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, represents a step-change in New Zealand’s approach to infrastructure and is on track to be operational before the end of the year.

“The efficient planning, delivery and maintenance of the right infrastructure is essential to improving New Zealand’s economic performance, and our wellbeing,” Shane Jones said.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/infrastructure-commission-step-closer

Prime Minister launches accord to repair broken building sector

Five ministers, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, have announced the creation of an "accord" they hope will end the country's litany of sub-standard building.

The prime minister told Stuff the new Construction Sector Accord was an important step in plans to make homes more affordable.

"Ultimately, for the average person looking to buy a home, or currently renting a home ... the pressure on our housing market in particular is all around supply," she said at the accord launch in Manurewa on Sunday.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/112025068/prime-minister-launches-accord-to-repair-broken-building-sector

Investors invited to buy a share in the property dream

Frustrated would-be homebuyers are being invited to buy shares in houses rather than owning them outright.

Property Crowd is the latest business to launch which aims to turn a profit by arranging partial ownership of homes in Auckland.

Founded by Jim Janse, the operation will set up companies to buy individual houses, and then sell shares in those companies to people who want a stake in the housing market, but cannot afford a house of their own.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/112025094/investors-invited-to-buy-a-share-in-the-property-dream