Feature article

Looking back at the 2000 property market vs today

How the Kiwi dream traded time for money.

Alex Hallifax
AI

AI summary

A look back at the NZ property market shows that while the median house price has soared since 2000, the true cost is measured in time. The years of pre-tax income needed to buy a median home has effectively doubled.

In 2000, it took between 5 to 7 years of an average salary. Today, that figure has jumped to between 9 and 11 years. On a positive note, the gender pay gap has narrowed significantly during this period.

The pay packet reality check

The silver lining hiding in the numbers

Then vs. now: The buyer's vantage point
FeatureThe year 2000Today
House searchHouse searchAgency window cards, print ads, word-of-mouthAgency window cards, print ads, word-of-mouthInstant alerts, saved searches, online filteringInstant alerts, saved searches, online filtering
Market scopeMarket scopeLocal suburbs and physical weekend drivesLocal suburbs and physical weekend drivesNationwide comparisons right from your couchNationwide comparisons right from your couch
Average male wageAverage male wage$697/week ($36,244/year)$697/week ($36,244/year)$1,724/week ($89,648/year)$1,724/week ($89,648/year)
Average female wageAverage female wage$466/week ($24,232/year)$466/week ($24,232/year)$1,380/week ($71,760/year)$1,380/week ($71,760/year)
Home affordabilityHome affordability4.7 to 7.0 years of pay4.7 to 7.0 years of pay8.8 to 11.0 years of pay8.8 to 11.0 years of pay

Author

Alex Hallifax Alex Hallifax