NZ-first rates hike for Christchurch landbankers

NZ-first rates hike for Christchurch landbankers
Central Christchurch is still dotted with vacant sites, like this one for the future stadium. (Image: Oliver Lewis)
Oliver Lewis
The Christchurch city council has approved an initiative to charge vacant land owners in the central city higher rates.A majority of councillors supported the proposal – to charge owners of vacant land with no active or consented use four times the standard general rate – at a meeting on Tuesday.The Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Property Council New Zealand both opposed the policy, which, according to council staff advice, is unique among councils in NZ.The rating differential will apply to properties in the ce...

More Property

Graeme Hart lends to twice-bankrupted builder
Property

Graeme Hart lends to twice-bankrupted builder

The owner of failed developer Buildform is a Hart family friend.

Developers make unsolicited bids for prime Chch rebuild site
Policy

Developers make unsolicited bids for prime Chch rebuild site

Crown Infrastructure Delivery is weighing up options for the massive site.

Oliver Lewis 28 Mar 2025
Govt support to unlock billions for community housing
Policy

Govt support to unlock billions for community housing

It's been called a watershed day for the community housing sector.

Oliver Lewis 27 Mar 2025
JLL confirms Wellington and ChCh office closures
Property

JLL confirms Wellington and ChCh office closures

Global commercial real estate firm JLL says it will close its Wellington and Christchurch offices to focus on Auckland.Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) said on Thursday that it had decided to centralise its operational functions.  “This move, while resulting in the closure of its Welling...

Gregor Thompson 27 Mar 2025