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Can zoning reform change urban development patterns? Evidence from Auckland

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Listed:
  • Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy
  • James Allan Jones

Abstract

In 2016, Auckland implemented a large-scale zoning reform to encourage medium density infill housing. This paper describes the institutional processes preceding the reform, quantifies the changes in land use across the metropolitan area, and documents subsequent changes in residential housing starts. We show that approximately three-quarters of residential land was upzoned, predominantly in areas close to transportation network access, and between five and twenty-five kilometres of the central business district (CBD). Six years on from the reform, housing starts have increased; are located closer to the CBD, employment locations, and transportation network access points, and; are predominantly infill and attached housing. Spatial decompositions show that these patterns are exclusively driven by changes in housing starts in upzoned areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy & James Allan Jones, 2023. "Can zoning reform change urban development patterns? Evidence from Auckland," Working Papers 012, University of Auckland, Economic Policy Center (EPC).
    • Handle: RePEc:cyc:wpaper:012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy, 2023. "The Impact of Upzoning on Housing Construction in Auckland: Extensions and Updated Results," Working Papers 015, University of Auckland, Economic Policy Center (EPC).
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    9. Tan, Ya & Wang, Zhi & Zhang, Qinghua, 2020. "Land-use regulation and the intensive margin of housing supply," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
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    2. Yun So, 2026. "Geography of Growing Up: Mapping Childhood Location to Later Life Outcomes," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 102(336), pages 47-71, March.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • R14 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Land Use Patterns
    • R31 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - Housing Supply and Markets
    • R52 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Land Use and Other Regulations

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