Greens welcome Labour moves on housing policy
28 July 2013
Greens welcome Labour moves on
housing policy
The Green Party today
welcomed David Shearer’s announcement about restricting
overseas buyers access to the New Zealand housing
market.
“We welcome Labour getting on board with
another Green Party solution that will make housing more
affordable for New Zealanders,” said Green Party Co-leader
Dr Russel Norman.
“This is a sensible measure
that will help reduce demand and lower prices meaning more
New Zealanders can own their own home.
“We were
very pleased when Labour adopted our policy about a capital
gains tax excluding the family home, and likewise we are
pleased that Labour have got on board with this policy. This
is about making housing affordable for New Zealand
families.
“Housing shouldn’t be a place for
speculators it is a place where people
live.
“Many other countries like Australia, Hong
Kong and Singapore have similar
policies.
“Restrictions on overseas buyers are a
good first step but by itself will not fix the
problem.
“We need a suite of measures both to
restrict speculation but also measures to help New Zealand
families into their own home.
“Our Home for Life
package delivers meaningful changes that will move more New
Zealand families into an affordable home and provide better
housing for those who rent,” said Dr Norman.
Home
for Life Package: http://www.greens.org.nz/housing
ENDS