A question of etiquette: should you ask someone what they paid for their house?

OPINION: Kiwis, typically, don't like talking about money.

We never mention our salaries. Nobody knows how much our cars cost. We fight over restaurant and bar tabs so nobody has to have a "how much do I owe you?" conversation.

Houses are different for a couple of reasons.

The housing market is, by far and away, the most topical item of national interest for all New Zealanders.

from
http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/home-property/86355652/A-question-of-etiquette-should-you-ask-someone-what-they-paid-for-their-house