PHOTO: Housing crisis ‘is not real’, investment expert claims. Credits: Video – The AM Show; Image – Getty
Million-dollar houses are now being sold in one of Auckland’s lowest-income suburbs and a local politician says Government failure is allowing the market to drive further inequality and hopelessness.
Last month an unremarkable 1960s weatherboard house on less than a quarter acre section in Ōtara in South Auckland sold for $1.01 million.
Another – which 12 years ago sold for $340,000 – went for $1.1m, more than triple its last sale price in October.
Manukau Ward councillor Efeso Collins said more than 80 percent of Pacific people did not own their own homes, and rising house prices were a cause of pain for his constituents, as rents went up and incomes did not.
“That means there are times where some people have to go without,” Collins said.
“I know there are parents who are decreasing the number of meals they’re having to ensure that the kids are eating enough, and getting three basic meals a day. That’s part of what I call the social trauma that’s being faced by many constituents that I work with.”
He said people felt hopelessness about the situation, which they did not think would get any better.
“I think people have given up. There are many people in the Manukau Ward… that have just given up.
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