An economist doubts proposed Kiwisaver changes will have the desired effect

The Interim Retirement Commissioner is recommending relaxing the rules, to allow first home buyers to access their money to buy an investment property.

Economist Peter Neilson says KiwiSaver members only have to live the property for the first six months - so people are probably already using them as investment properties.

He says options like proposals for equity share plans and rent to buy are more productive.