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IMF still not happy about house prices

Tuesday 1st of April 2014

It has issued a concluding statement, describing the findings of IMF staff's visits to New Zealand.

“By historical and international comparisons and most measures of affordability, New Zealand’s house prices appear elevated. With house price inflation running high, there remains the risk that expectations-driven, self-reinforcing demand dynamics and price overshooting could take hold," the report said.

"The government’s steps to help alleviate supply bottlenecks, measures to tighten standards for mortgage lending, and an increase in mortgage rates should help ease price pressures. But a sudden price correction—possibly triggered by a shock to household incomes or borrowing costs—could reduce consumer confidence, impact overall economic activity, and hurt banks’ balance sheets.”

It said the Reserve Bank's prudential measures were welcome.  The macroprudential framework would give the central bank the ability to safeguard financial stability and take additional measures when necessary to guard against the risks that would arise out of an unsustainable acceleration in house price inflation, it said.

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