Types of unoccupied dwellings – empty, residents away
Sophie Davies
Public
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Unoccupied dwellings are currently classified as empty or residents away. We are considering whether we need to continue distinguishing between these two types of unoccupied dwellings.
Previously there have been difficulties in determining which category an unoccupied dwelling should be assigned to. For the 2018 Census there will be additional challenges in collecting this information, because most people will be contacted by mail rather than by a collector visiting each dwelling.
We’d like to know more about how customers use the data on these two types of unoccupied dwellings, and how important this distinction is.
Our current recommendations relating to types of unoccupied dwellings – empty, residents away
- We welcome feedback on whether it is important to continue to distinguish between unoccupied dwellings that are empty, and unoccupied dwellings that have residents who were all away at census time.
See our preliminary view of 2018 Census content (pages 50-51) for a more detailed discussion on types of unoccupied dwellings - empty, residents away
Aaron Norgrove Fri 1 May 2015 2:16AM
This is essential information in my opinion. In areas that have high visitation numbers (holiday destinations for example particularly in coastal areas) it is important to know whether a dwelling is 'empty' and therefore a likely holiday home rented out on a temporary basis, versus residents away. This information helps councils to determine loads on infrastructure at different times of the year (summer peak season versus winter usual resident numbers for example). The key for the census will be how to improve upon the current coding process to more accurately reflect the reality of the local situation. The data on unoccupied dwellings when combined with other variables is important for distinguishing between different types of settlements, for example between commuter suburbs vs. holiday destinations. Having further information on second residence will aid in developing a more comprehensive picture of settlements for planners, and assist in developing appropriate planning policy interventions.
tina (facilitator) Fri 1 May 2015 6:30AM
Hi @aaronnorgrove thanks for kicking off this discussion!
Aaron Norgrove Fri 1 May 2015 7:57AM
No problem. There is an article coming out soon in a planning journal that makes use of unoccupied dwelling data that I have contributed to. While it doesn't involve the split between residents away and empty dwellings, it is nevertheless important to know for accuracy purposes. Rates databases provide some information on how to treat some dwellings, but that is a fairly lengthy process to go through. I know that the new collection methodology will make collecting this information more difficult, but it should not be underestimated in terms of importance for planning purposes.
Nick Brunsdon Tue 5 May 2015 3:35AM
The question on unoccupied dwellings in the 2013 census was quite useful for us to understand the housing situation in Christchurch following the 'quakes, with unoccupied & empty dwelling rates more than doubled. Going forward though, I probably won't use it.
This isn't my area, but I wonder if the second dwelling topic could include a question along the lines of 'number of days per year spent at secondary dwelling' which would capture year-round holiday house usage and help holiday destination communities plan effectively. Seems like this could be a good substitute for the occupied/unoccupied given the challenge of data quality collection of this with an online-first census
tina (facilitator) Wed 6 May 2015 5:23AM
@aaronnorgrove your report sounds interesting. Perhaps you could share a link in this discussion (if it's available by 10 June)?
tina (facilitator) Wed 6 May 2015 5:27AM
Hi @nickbrunsdon thanks for explaining your use of unoccupied dwelling information.
The Office of National Statistics (England and Wales) for the 2011 Census defined second residence as a stay of 30 days or more a year.
@aaronnorgrove Is this useful?
Would you kindly follow this link if you want to respond:
second residence
Kim Ollivier Sun 10 May 2015 9:48PM
I see a little flaw in counting unoccupied dwellings by mail!
There might not be many responses.
Not to mention that around 30% of dwellings do not have an official location address in the valuation roll or postal databases. How will you send out a letter? I know this seems a bold claim, but it is easy to verify, just count the empty address records in the valuation rolls. There may be a PO Box or RD number or the address of a solicitor or accountant, but that does not identify the property.
Kim Ollivier Sun 10 May 2015 10:48PM
I found it really hard to get unoccupied dwelling counts at the meshblock level since they are not published. All statistics are based on occupied dwellings which for some areas is a minority group. How does one create a percentage without a missing count so that the total count can be computed for any dwelling measurement?
tina (facilitator) Wed 13 May 2015 4:46AM
HI @kimollivier to answer your first post, I have been consulting the experts here:
We are currently developing strategies for counting unoccupied dwellings. There are various ways in which these dwellings can be identified.
100% of the areas that we intend to mailout to will be canvassed, determining address accuracy and occupiability.
This will be further supported during the census, where field staff will be visiting dwellings either to maximise coverage and/or to illicit a response, which will help to further confirm occupiability of dwellings.
Respondents will also have the ability to indicate that they will be away at the time of census. The strategies we use will be refined following testing.
tina (facilitator) · Thu 30 Apr 2015 4:25AM
Hello, Tēnā koutou!
Welcome to our discussion of Types of Unoccupied Dwellings.
I’m Tina, from Statistics New Zealand. I look forward to open and inclusive discussion over the next six weeks to understand your Housing-related information needs.