HOUSE SHORTAGE.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18339, 27 May 1931, Page 10

HOUSE SHORTAGE.

REDUCTION IN RENTS. EXPECTED IN CHRISTCHURCH. I i ’ ’ V LAND AGENT’S OPINION. Agreeing that the demand for al any rate the better class of house with a rental from 25s to 32s 6d a week was considerably greater than the supply, several Christchurch land agents expressed the opinion to a Sun representative that a period of house shortage was ahead, in consequence of the cessation of speculative building. One man anticipated that the shortage would exist In every class of dwelling, from the moderately expensive to the cheapest. It was reported that on the whole there was a brighter tone in the business, not only In letting, but in the sale of properties also. “The demand for the type of good house at a rental of some 30s weekly is steadily increasing, and there are precious few of those houses about, one man said. “Of course, this depends to some extent on the locality j desired, but all through we . find to- j day 'that there are not enough houses, j No Prospoot of Relief. | • “I can see no prospect of relief, what's more. Speculative building has ceased, avd the situation will become strained before we have gone! much farther.” j There had been a fairly general reduction in rents, he added. 'Most! landlords had proved willing to meet j their tenants in genuine cases. The concessions made were for the most. part from 2s 6d to 5s a week, off the rentals previously charged. “The tone is brighter than it another agent claimed. “We, are receiving more inquiries nowadays, but It Is not always easy to fill them. There are simply not the house* about.” In another quarter, the opinion was advanced that the lack of rentable houses -would mean that in a little while an Increasing number of people would turn their attention to the purchase of their- homes, or to building. “I would not say. that the demand for the 25s a week to 32s 6d a week class of house was • greater than the demand for other kinds, but we are having a considerable number of inquiries for the type,” remarked another agent.’ “ There are, of course, people going after the 20s a week sort, which, are equally hard to find. There are -very few such dwellings on our books. Taken all round, the tone of business is very much'better than it was some time ago. “I agree that - there" will ultimately be a house shortage. No speculative building is going - on, though just as many homes are being started as there were two years ago.” Movements of tenants to cheaper houses was another factor likely to assist in producing a shortage in the medium-rental class of house, another agent contended. Evep now, he said, there was a good demand for houses of that kind, particularly with garages.