When land lots in popular Hirafu village became hard to come by, the launch of Elevation last year offered a rare gated estate in upper village Hirafu looking onto Hirafu's Mount Yotei. The development gives owners the option to design and build a ski home of exceptional quality under a well thought-out master plan. The concept has been so successful, only one lot remains now. The property is for sale through Jeanette Hall of Zekkei Properties.

Western Australia is one of the worst performing economies in the country, and the Perth property market has suffered as a consequence, but investors are starting to return to the market, where buyers will find reduced competition and reasonable returns.

Oliver Hartwich, executive director of The New Zealand Initiative, has written in this year's Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey that a lack of affordable housing is creating a social divide that is contributing to the rise of populism around the world.

Ikea has introduced a new kitchen cabinet range that is made completely from recycled materials.