PHOTO: GETTY IMAGESSouthland's share of affordable rental housing has fallen significantly in the past five years, having the biggest decline in all regional areas across the country. The Child Poverty Action Group has released a report indicating the share of affordable rentals had significantly decreased in most of the regions, with Southland falling by 26%, the highest of all regions surveyed. Researcher Greg Waite found there were prominent declines in affordable rentals for low-income working families in 12 out of 16 regions between 2018 and 2023. "New Zealand’s private rental market consistently rates as one of the most unaffordable in the OECD. A Trade Me report indicated 70% of people competing for Invercargill rental properties were aged under 40.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 08, 2024 06:59 UTC