Reported about 1 year ago
New Zealand's government announced plans to drastically relax zoning restrictions to increase housing supply and override local councils' control over development, aiming to address one of the world's least affordable housing markets. The reforms, led by housing minister Chris Bishop, seek to allow maximum choice for individuals and families in building homes, require councils to free up more land for housing development, and promote mixed-use development by eliminating rules on balconies and minimum apartment sizes. Despite opposition concerns about urban sprawl and infrastructure challenges, analysts support the changes to tackle the long-standing housing shortage in the country.
Source: YAHOO