Auckland’s housing crisis deepens as stalled projects leave neighborhoods in limbo
Several major housing projects across Auckland have faced long delays, with some sites left unfinished for years. While a few developments have recently restarted, others remain stalled due to financial disputes, regulatory hurdles, and supply chain problems. The slow progress has left some areas with half-built structures, frustrating residents and investors alike.
One of the most troubled projects is the Epsom Central Apartments, which stopped construction six years ago after failing to meet building consent requirements. The site, owned by Xiao Liu through his company Reeheng Ltd since 2023, has seen no progressive since 2025. Locals now describe the unfinished structure as a persistent eyesore in the neighbourhood.
In Kingsland, The George—a development of nine luxury townhouses on New North Rd—has also faced setbacks. Originally expected to finish by mid-2026, the project has encountered financial difficulties, pushing back its completion. As of January 2026, no official confirmation exists that the build is done, and delays from supply chain issues and tighter regulations since 2023 continue to slow progress. Meanwhile, some stalled projects have finally resumed. Seascape tower, set to become New Zealand’s tallest apartment building in Auckland’s CBD, restarted construction in 2025 after a year-long pause. The halt had been caused by a dispute between the developer and builder, but work is now back underway. In Pukekohe, several duplexes on Valley Rd, left unfinished for over a year, showed new activity in 2025. The developer listed their completion date as late 2025, bringing relief to locals. Similarly, a stalled construction site in Mairangi Bay, abandoned in 2024, restarted in late 2025. Work there has since advanced quickly, easing concerns among nearby residents.
The mixed progress of these projects highlights ongoing challenges in Auckland’s construction sector. While some developments like Seascape tower and the Mairangi Bay site have restarted, others such as Epsom Central Apartments and The George remain unfinished. Delays continue to impact timelines, leaving some communities waiting for resolution.
