House-price gap likely to stay

Press, 22 February 1980, Page 4

House-price gap likely to stay

PA Wellington While there was a static population and the inflationary pressures of higher wages and costs, there was little chance of the price difference between new and existing housed narrowing, said the Minister of Housing (Mr Quigley) yesterday. ‘Mr Quigley, who was opening the Australian Commonwealth and State Housing Ministers’ conference at Wellington, said the average price for an existing house last June was $31,804. The average price for a new house and section was $43,000. “There is not much chance of this price difference narrowing while we have a static population and the inflationary pressures of higher wages and higher material costs being built into a new house,” Mr Quigleysaid. The Government’s housing objects were: — To make the best use of existing housing.

— To provide the best quality of accommodation within the Government’s limited resources. — To provide the environment where as many people as possible were able to own their own homes, priority being given to those prepared to make some effort themselves. Australia’s Federal Housing Minister (Mr Ray Groom) said New Zealand had been a leader in social reforms. “I am sure we can learn much from the way you handle your housing problems in New Zealand,” he said. The two-day conference, being held at Wellington for the first time, is attended by the Australian Federal and State Housing Ministers and Papua New Guinea’s Housing Minister (Mr Kara Maor). The Ministers are discussing housing in the 1980 s and the housing needs of special groups, special projects, research, .and programmes.