The outrageous cost of home ownership

There are many reasons our houses are too expensive, and several ways to make them more affordable.

Print Share

11th February, 2012

After two years of searching for a suitable plot of land on which to plant themselves, TV producer Jon Bridges and his wife, Gemma, finally found what they had been looking for. They discovered a section for sale in Auckland’s Three Kings, “and we just went ‘wow’”. The land has a sweeping view of the city and, importantly, is not too far from downtown. “I love to commute by bike but I’m too lazy to commute very far,” says Jon. In August, the couple’s offer was accepted, and they are now finalising plans to build their own home. Because Gemma’s father is an architect, ...

Get full access to Listener.co.nz

Subscribers can read the full version of this story.

You can subscribe and get full online access for as little as $5 per week.

Enjoy the high-quality, in-depth journalism of the Listener magazine with convenient online access. This includes access to thousands of archived articles and up-to-date TV and entertainment listings.

Our great content is available online even before it hits the shelves, and includes more focus on breaking news. With our responsive design you get a great reader experience whether you read from your home computer, tablet, or even smartphone.

Already a subscriber? Just login to read full version of this story.

Already an existing print subscriber? As part of your magazine subscription you are entitled to receive full access to the New Zealand Listener Online content. Click here for instructions on how to redeem your digital access.

Or you can subscribe now to get unlimited access to listener.co.nz.