Post in Sustainable Property Development

Aug 01 01:03 UTC

Hi, first I'm not actually a developer, but consultant, not that it
changes the relevance of what's been said. I'm not convinced council
policy in terms of zoning is geared towards rating revenue, as you
rightly point out, they have to carry the capital costs of
infrastructure and the revenue cost of maintenance although the latter
is to a degree offset by rates' income.

Yes, I would agree that higher fuel costs are effectively a further tax
on sub-urban dwellers that city dwellers like me don't suffer, at least
not to the same extent and that must be a disincentive to move out; but
ultimately is must be a life choice; is the additional cost borne
outweighed by the quality of life enjoyed? It's subjective question only
the individual can answer.

However, they are the few, relatively speaking; the vast majority of us
populate the urban area and the basic economic tenets of supply and
demand will prevail; the second the market softens for the 'lifestyle
blocks' on the verge of the countryside, the developers will stop
building them. As for trends, well, the cheaper accommodation will
always be in the city, 2 bed starter homes don't get built on a 1.5
hectare blocks; that is constrained by planning policy, is therefore not
reversible by the whims of the consumer and as such, will continue. Long
term ( and to a degree policy and population dependent) it is hard not
to conclude that the majority will as a populous, generally stay in the
city, those that make lifestyle choices will continue to do so, and we
will build up instead of out. It is a trend that has occurred in many
countries for logical and economic reasons and I can't see us (although
I'm a Brit) being any different.