Drop in medium-cost houses

Press, 28 August 1984, Page 35

Drop in medium-cost houses

PA Wellington A Building Industry Advisory Council report shows that an increase in the proportion of houses in the low-cost and high-cost groups has resulted in a drop in the proportion of medium-cost houses. The report also shows an increase in the proportion of houses having a smaller floor space in the last two years. In 1982, 14.8 per cent of all house permits was in the 90 to 100 sq m range, but in 1983 only 12.4 per cent of permits were in this range and the peak for the year moved to the 80 to 90 sq m range. In 1981, 30 per cent of house permits had a floor area less than 100 m. In 1983, the figure was 38 per cent, showing an increase of building permits for small housing. Between 1981 and 1983, there was a rise in the proportion of low-cost housing in the $25,000 to $30,000 range at the expense of a drop in medium-cost housing in the $40,000 to $70,000 range. Houses more than $75,000 showed a small gain. Flat distribution followed a similar trend, the report said.