The impact of zoning reform on property prices within lower Hutt, Wellington

Author/s: Ishan Parbhu, Hassan f. Gholipour, Sharon Yam, Kamel Taoum

Date Published: 18/03/2025

Published in: Volume 29 - 2024 Issue 3 (pages 49 - 65)

Abstract

Zoning regulation can have a significant effect on property values by restricting types of development in a particular area. By focusing on the implementation of Hu> City Council’s District Plan Change 43, this study examines the effect of zoning changes on residential property prices in Lower Hu>, New Zealand. Using transaction records of 100 residential properties and employing multivariate regressions, the results show that properties affected by the zoning reforms experienced lower appreciation in value compared to unaffected properties.

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Keywords

House Prices - New Zealand - Zoning

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