57% of renters in New Zealand report satisfaction with their current housing situation, in contrast to 82% of homeowners, Ipsos New Zealand’s Housing Monitor 2025 has revealed.
The report, which is part of the latest Ipsos Global Advisor study, gathered insights from over 22,000 individuals across 30 countries, including approximately 1,000 participants from New Zealand.
80% of respondents believe most people in New Zealand aspire to have their own home. Among renters, 83% express a desire for homeownership, but 62% feel they will never be able to afford it.
74% of respondents believe it is more difficult for people their age to buy or rent a home compared to their parents’ generation, surpassing the global average of 67%. Furthermore, 81% of individuals under 35 in New Zealand share this perspective.
54% of Kiwis believe the nation is heading in the wrong direction regarding housing, while 60% do not agree that the government has limited options to address housing issues.
When it comes to housing challenges, 51% cite high property prices as the biggest concern, while 49% said it’s the high costs of renting.
Moreover, location and affordability are key factors influencing perceptions of a desirable home among New Zealanders. The most valued characteristics of a good property include:
- Good Location: 49%
- Value for Money: 39%
- Low Crime Rate: 35%
- Outdoor Space: 29%
- Privacy: 28%
Many people still see the suburban detached home as the ideal living arrangement, with 41% of New Zealanders saying they prefer a detached home in the suburbs, while 23% are in favour of a rural residence.
In contrast, options like inner-city apartments and detached homes each attract only 12% of the population.