AIM

The aim of this research is to understand why residential construction costs in New Zealand have increased more than costs in other sectors of the New Zealand economy. Particular emphasis will be on understanding the drivers of residential construction costs and the implications for future housing supply.

Research Objectives

The key research objectives are:

1. To measure long run residential construction costs and how and why they have changed between 1960 and the present.
2. A critical appraisal of residential construction costs measures.
3. A headline comparison with Australian residential construction costs against the consumer price index (CPI) (may include sub-national / state level).
4. To provide a critical analysis of the results of 1 and 3 above and the implications for future residential housing/construction costs and housing supply in New Zealand.