30 years ago taxes represented about 10% of the cost of land now they represent over 50%
I think it was in the 70s Jennings decided to cut the cost of homes and produce a "cheap" home a "basic" home.
No BIRs, minimal kitchens etc and they were able to cut the cost of the finished product, but they could not sell them, no one wanted cheaper housing at the expense of comfort. The idea was dropped.
It has become a bit of the "mine is bigger than yours " syndrome, a young married couple rattling around in as you say 4+3 plus two living areas, plus laundry plus alfresco plus media room Which is a bit crazy as Australians are renowned for shifting house and only on average living in a home for about 5 years, so they could buy small and when money and family arrive move into a larger home then.
