Government raises building levy threshold to lower costs

Government raises building levy threshold to lower costs
(Image: Getty)
Staff reporters
The government has agreed to scrap the building levy for all projects under $65,000 in its fight “to lower building costs and reduce red tape”.Currently, any building project worth $20,444, including GST or more, is subject to the building levy, which is paid at $1.75 per $1,000 of building work value.From July 1, projects under $65,000, including GST, will be exempt from paying the levy. Building and construction minister Chris Penk said the change would reduce unnecessary red tape "and mean Kiwis making small improv...