Using data to better understand supply and demand for housing

10 July 2017 - A new online interactive dashboard launched by MBIE will make it easier for councils to better understand demand and supply issues underpinning housing affordability issues.

Those are the comments from Property Council’s Chief Executive Connal Townsend, who says he is encouraged by Central Government providing national direction and leadership in helping address land supply and intensification issues.

“New Zealand needs to work smarter in accommodating growth. The National Policy Statement on Urban Development Capacity (NPS-UDC) is essentially an active move by Central Government to force councils to release land, and plan and manage their urban growth.

“The release of land is one part of planning for growth, of equal importance is how we fund and provide the infrastructure like transport, schools and parks to create prosperous communities and cities.

“The online dashboard, along with the written guidance and development feasibility tool released earlier, will enable councils to undertake data-based planning and better respond to growth pressures.”

Mr Townsend argues that much of Auckland’s current housing crisis is linked to the previous Auckland Regional Councils lack of growth planning, despite an ever-increasing population.

“We can’t have this situation repeated in other New Zealand cities that need to house a growing population.”

The online dashboard will allow councils to access interactive charts, maps, data on housing:

• sales volume/total stock

• consents/population

• prices, values, rents

• housing affordability

Mr Townsend says, “Giving councils assistance and access to this data is crucial to ensuring growth pays for growth and that a city doesn’t suddenly find itself without good public transport and affordable housing. These are the important building blocks that make up a vibrant, thriving city.

“This is about being proactive towards growth, understanding the supply and demand pressures, and planning accordingly,” says Mr Townsend.

To view the Dashboard visit: https://mbienz.shinyapps.io/urban-development-capacity/

For more information on the Urban Development Capacity Dashboard visit:

http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/housing-property/national-policy-statement-urban-development

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