There is a misperception about special housing being cheap and low quality that must be shaken, Tauranga's Classic Builders director Peter Cooney says.
"With councils fast tracking rezoning of land through the Government's Special Housing Accord, builders and developers are tending to build or develop slightly smaller lots, which obviously affects the total end price of the package. But the quality is not compromised at all," Mr Cooney said.
"What is happening, in fact, is that housing quality is being improved in some areas. It's just the size of the dwelling and the size of the site is smaller, that's all."
Houses in this age were designed to be much more functional compared to previous years, where living areas were once separated, he said.
"You've got your kitchen, dining, and living areas open planned these days, and there is consumer demand for this type of open plan living rather than a lot of separate living areas. So, house designs have improved and couples and families are finding they can function very well in a smaller house just as easily compared to a much larger house."