Waiting list for social housing declined significantly in the September quarter

The number of applicants waiting for social housing dropped in the September quarter for the second consecutive quarter. According to Ministry of Social Development's Housing Register, the number of applicants approved and waiting for social housing peaked at 26,868 at the end of March this year, declined slightly to 26,664 at the end of June then dropped more significantly to 24,996 at the end of September. That means the number of applicants on the list is now down 7% from the March peak. The June figure was the first time the number of applicants recorded on the register has declined since it was set up in September 2017. Demand for homes with five or more bedrooms was the only housing category to post an increase, with demand for them up 4.5% between March and September.