Simplicity Living has received approval for a Build-to-Rent development of 93 homes in Northcote, Auckland.
This is the company’s first project on Auckland’s North Shore, and the construction is planned to begin in November 2025. Completion is expected by the third quarter of 2027.
KiwiSaver-Funded Housing Expansion to Deliver 982 Homes
Funded entirely through Simplicity’s KiwiSaver and investment funds, the Northcote project will bring the company’s total homes under construction to 982 by the end of 2025. It is Simplicity Living’s seventh project, building on a portfolio that already includes 210 homes built and tenanted and 889 in progress.
“This is the sort of thing KiwiSaver should invest in,” said Sam Stubbs, Managing Director of Simplicity. “We think it’s a good long-term investment for our members and helps provide warm, dry homes for Kiwi families.”
Well-Located Development Adjacent to Transport and Amenities
Positioned next to the Northcote town centre, the development is surrounded by key services and public amenities. The design also incorporates extensive parking for residents, balancing walkability with car access.
“This is our first project on the North Shore,” said Simplicity Living Managing Director, Shane Brealey. “It’s in a great location, next to a supermarket, shops, public transport, parks and schools. And funding via Simplicity’s KiwiSaver and investment funds helps make it happen.”
Sustainable Design and Long-Term Durability Built In
The new Northcote development will meet the same environmental and durability standards applied in previous projects.
The units are designed for a 150-year lifespan and will include features such as solar power, rainwater systems, EV charging, and robust fire and thermal insulation. The project will also provide landscaped areas and dedicated tenant spaces including a lounge and a work-from-home office.
Native Tree Planting Linked to Apartment Tenancy
Simplicity Living will fund the planting of one native tree every week for each apartment rented. The initiative, run in partnership with charity Trees That Count, will result in 4,836 native trees planted annually once the development reaches full tenancy.
Construction Activity to Support Local Employment
Construction of 93 homes in Northcote will draw on the labour of more than 400 individuals, including contractors and suppliers. Company-wide, Simplicity Living anticipates supporting around 2,000 jobs across all active and planned projects by year-end 2025.
Northcote Redevelopment Adds Suburban Appeal
Northcote’s ongoing urban redevelopment is also expected to contribute to its appeal. “Northcote has seen many new homes built recently, and the re-development of the town centre will make it an even more desirable suburb,” Brealey said.
Simplicity Living’s Build-to-Rent model is positioned as a scalable, privately funded solution to New Zealand’s housing challenges—one that does not rely on government support.