One of the better things I have read in recent years was a short piece by Seth Godin titled Golf or Surfing.
In short, golf is a game of rules, regulations and pin placements whilst no wave is the same. Our world is increasing like surfing. The world of golf is on the wane.
And with this in mind, I segue to recent happenings across the Australian housing space – more planning restrictions, straight jacket building codes and regulations, more draconian rules, state-wide residential tenancy mandates. The list goes on.
Of course, there is the usual pistol duel at 50 paces on each issue – with the housing industry advocates calling it Armageddon whilst the relevant government authority replying that it is the “will of the electorate”.
But in an increasing uncertain world, we need more flexibility not rigidity.
We seem to be stuck in the wrong mindset.
It gets a lot easier if you bring the appropriate attitude.
And to be honest here has been some movement in the right direction of late, if my recent consultancy appointments are any indication.
Yet, there is little need to set the pin placements in the most difficult position on the green. They definitely don’t need to be set in concrete.
It’s hard to surf with a putter.
We need housing solutions that provide households and investors with control and flexibility.
They are a surfboard.
And yes that is me - and not Gerald Butler - on the stick!