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 reveals that while the median house price has soared, the true cost is measured in time. A home now costs twice as much of your working life as it did in 2000.

Back then, buying a median home required 4.7 to 7.0 years of an average pre-tax salary. Today, that has ballooned to 8.8 to 11.0 years. A positive trend is the gender pay gap, which has narrowed significantly over the same 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