Consents for new housing are now at their highest level since 1974. Housing consents have hit a 45-year high, a fact that one economist says will likely support higher house prices next year. As a result, he expected house prices to pick up over the year ahead. MARTY SHARPE/STUFF All eyes will now be on whether building costs continue to rise. However, that could also lift construction costs, already up 7.7 per cent year on year, "which could dampen future construction activity".

Source: Stuff January 13, 2020 23:37 UTC