Housing
4 problem pages in this theme — each card opens the full analysis: drivers, solution camps, claims, and sources.
Housing unaffordability in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
Wellington's housing market has become structurally unaffordable by global measures. Constrained topography, restrictive zoning, and strong demand from government-sector employment combine to limit supply while sustaining price pressure. The policy debate centres on supply liberalisation, demand management, and the seismic dimension unique to Wellington.
Earthquake-prone residential building stock in Wellington
Wellington City has one of the highest concentrations of earthquake-prone buildings in New Zealand. Pre-1976 unreinforced masonry and concrete structures dominate the inner-city residential and commercial stock. Seismic retrofit obligations impose large costs on owners, slowing redevelopment and contributing to housing supply constraints.
Rental affordability stress in Wellington
Wellington's rental market is characterised by low vacancy, high rent-to-income ratios for lower-income households, and limited security of tenure. Government-sector workers occupy a disproportionate share of the premium rental stock, squeezing lower-wage households into peripheral suburbs or into severe housing cost burden.
Constrained residential land supply in Wellington
Wellington's usable residential land supply is severely restricted by topography, fault-zone setbacks, and planning rules. The combination produces a developable land premium that persists even after NPS-UD upzoning, and which fundamentally limits the supply response to demand.