A call for a nationwide review of HomeStart Grants.

First-time buyers can receive up to $5000 or $10,000 as a couple, but with caps on salaries, and the prices of properties they can purchase.

Real Estate Institute chief executive Bindi Norwell told Mike Hosking only six percent of houses in Queenstown Lakes District qualify, whereas in Christchurch it's 52 percent.

“It varies a lot, which is why we need a countrywide review so the grants are much easier to get.”

The Real Estate Institute says prices have shot up, so caps on HomeStart grants should be lower to make it easier for first home buyers.

Bindi Norwell says we shouldn't make Loan to Value Ratios too punitive for them either.

She says we also need to look at the Resource Management Act and the processes that support the building of more new houses.

“It's been an inhibiting factor for many years and we haven't been able to build at scale.”

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