A property expert says banks are aiding and abetting housing speculation and thereby contributing to the housing crisis.

Auckland University's Dr Michael Rehm says when it comes to speculation, banks take a more relaxed view towards lending to residential property investors than commercial buyers.

And he says the banks are benefiting from that.

Rehm says compared to countries like the United States, a huge amount of New Zealand's market is residential investment property.

LISTEN ABOVE

A property expert says banks are aiding and abetting housing speculation and thereby contributing to the housing crisis.
Auckland University's Dr Michael Rehm says when it comes to speculation, banks take a more relaxed view towards lending to residential property investors than commercial buyers.
And he says the banks are benefiting from that.
Rehm says compared to countries like the United States, a huge amount of New Zealand's market is residential investment property.
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.