Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Donovan Stuart 
Author-X-Name-First: Stuart
Author-X-Name-Last: Donovan
Author-Email: stuart.donovan@motu.org.nz
Author-Workplace-Name: Motu Economic and Public Policy Research
Author-Name: Matthew Maltman
Author-X-Name-First: Matthew 
Author-X-Name-Last: Maltman
Author-Email: stuart.donovan@motu.org.nz
Author-Workplace-Name: e61 Institute
Title: Dispelling myths: Reviewing the evidence on zoning reforms in Auckland
Abstract: In 2016, the city of Auckland adopted zoning reforms that enabled more housing on approximately three-quarters of its urban land. Three subsequent studies have found that these reforms increased housing supply and reduced rents. Two economists have, however, criticised these studies on blogs and social media, describing their findings as a "myth". Despite their informal nature, these critiques have been cited in formal planning and policy processes. Here, we review these critiques and find them to have little to no merit. Specifically, the critiques misunderstand the papers' methods and rely on inappropriate analyses. In our view, there is remarkably robust evidence that zoning reforms increased housing supply and reduced rents in Auckland. 
Length: 41 pages
Creation-Date: 2024-11
File-URL: https://motu-www.motu.org.nz/wpapers/24_07.pdf
Number: 24_07
Classification-JEL: R31, R52, C54 
Keywords: housing, planning, zoning, supply, Auckland
Handle: RePEc:mtu:wpaper:24_07