Dataset for the maps accompanying the Housing in Aotearoa New Zealand: 2025 report. This dataset contains data for severe housing deprivation from the 2018 and 2023 Censuses.

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Data is available by health district.

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Severe housing deprivation has data for the census usually resident population from the 2018 and 2023 Censuses, including:

• estimated prevalence rate of severe housing deprivation (per 10,000 people)
• estimated rate for those; without shelter, in temporary accommodation, sharing someone else’s private dwelling, in uninhabitable housing, for whom it could not be determined whether they were severely housing deprived or not.

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Map shows the estimated prevalence rate of severe housing deprivation (per 10,000 people) for the census usually resident population for the 2023 Census.

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Download lookup file from Stats NZ ArcGIS Online or embedded attachment in Stats NZ geographic data service. Download data table (excluding the geometry column for CSV files) using the instructions in the Koordinates help guide.

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Footnotes

Geographical boundaries

Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023 (updated December 2023) has information about geographic boundaries as of 1 January 2023. Address data from 2013 and 2018 Censuses was updated to be consistent with the 2023 areas. Due to the changes in area boundaries and coding methodologies, 2013 and 2018 counts published in 2023 may be slightly different to those published in 2013 or 2018.

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Subnational census usually resident population

The census usually resident population count of an area (subnational count) is a count of all people who usually live in that area and were present in New Zealand on census night. It excludes visitors from overseas, visitors from elsewhere in New Zealand, and residents temporarily overseas on census night. For example, a person who usually lives in Christchurch city and is visiting Wellington city on census night will be included in the census usually resident population count of Christchurch city. 

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Population counts

Stats NZ publishes a number of different population counts, each using a different definition and methodology. Population statistics – user guide has more information about different counts. 

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Caution using time series

Time series data should be interpreted with care due to changes in census methodology and differences in response rates between censuses. The 2023 and 2018 Censuses used a combined census methodology (using census responses and administrative data), while the 2013 Census used a full-field enumeration methodology (with no use of administrative data).

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Severe housing deprivation time series

The 2018 estimates of severe housing deprivation have been updated using the 2023 methodology for estimating severe housing deprivation. Severe housing deprivation (homelessness) estimates – updated methodology: 2023 Census has more information.

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Severe housing deprivation

Figures in this map and geospatial file exclude Women’s refuge data, as well as estimates for children living in non-private dwellings. Severe housing deprivation (homelessness) estimates – updated methodology: 2023 Census has more information.

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About the 2023 Census dataset

For information on the 2023 Census dataset see Using a combined census model for the 2023 Census. We combined data from the census forms with administrative data to create the 2023 Census dataset, which meets Stats NZ's quality criteria for population structure information. We added real data about real people to the dataset where we were confident the people who hadn’t completed a census form (which is known as admin enumeration) will be counted. We also used data from the 2018 and 2013 Censuses, administrative data sources, and statistical imputation methods to fill in some missing characteristics of people and dwellings.

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Data quality

The quality of data in the 2023 Census is assessed using the quality rating scale and the quality assurance framework to determine whether data is fit for purpose and suitable for release. Data quality assurance in the 2023 Census has more information.

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Quality rating of a variable

The quality rating of a variable provides an overall evaluation of data quality for that variable, usually at the highest levels of classification. The quality ratings shown are for the 2023 Census unless stated. There is variability in the quality of data at smaller geographies. Data quality may also vary between censuses, for subpopulations, or when cross tabulated with other variables or at lower levels of the classification. Data quality ratings for 2023 Census variables has more information on quality ratings by variable.

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Census usually resident population count concept quality rating

The census usually resident population count is rated as very high quality.

Census usually resident population count – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Quality of severe housing deprivation data

Severe housing deprivation (homelessness) estimates – updated methodology: 2023 Census has more information on the data quality of this variable.

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Using data for good

Stats NZ expects that, when working with census data, it is done so with a positive purpose, as outlined in the Māori Data Governance Model (Data Iwi Leaders Group, 2023). This model states that "data should support transformative outcomes and should uplift and strengthen our relationships with each other and with our environments. The avoidance of harm is the minimum expectation for data use. Māori data should also contribute to iwi and hapū tino rangatiratanga”.

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Confidentiality

The 2023 Census confidentiality rules have been applied to 2013, 2018, and 2023 data. These rules protect the confidentiality of individuals, families, households, dwellings, and undertakings in 2023 Census data. Counts are calculated using fixed random rounding to base 3 (FRR3) and suppression of ‘sensitive’ counts less than six, where tables report multiple geographic variables and/or small populations. Individual figures may not always sum to stated totals. Applying confidentiality rules to 2023 Census data and summary of changes since 2018 and 2013 Censuses has more information about 2023 Census confidentiality rules.

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Inconsistencies in definitions

Please note that there may be differences in definitions between census classifications and those used for other data collections.

Dataset for the maps accompanying the Housing in Aotearoa New Zealand: 2025 report. This dataset contains counts and measures for:

• average number of private dwellings per square kilometre
• severe housing deprivation
• home ownership rates
• mould and damp.

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Data is available by territorial authority and Auckland local board.

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Average number of private dwellings per square kilometre has data for occupied, unoccupied, and total private dwellings from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, including:

• dwelling counts
• percentage change in the count of dwellings
• average number of dwellings per square kilometre.

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Severe housing deprivation has data for the census usually resident population from the 2018 and 2023 Censuses, including:

• estimated prevalence rate of severe housing deprivation (per 10,000 people)
• estimated rate for those; without shelter, in temporary accommodation, sharing someone else’s private dwelling, in uninhabitable housing, for whom it could not be determined whether they were severely housing deprived or not.

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Home ownership rates has data for households in occupied private dwellings from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, including:

• counts and percentages for households that owned their home or held it in a family trust, or did not own their home
• percentage change in the count of households that owned their home or held it in a family trust, or did not own their home.

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Mould and damp has data for occupied private dwellings from the 2018 and 2023 Censuses, including:

• counts and percentages for dwellings with or without mould or damp
• percentage change in the count of dwellings with or without mould or damp.

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Map shows the average number of private dwellings per square kilometre for the 2023 Census

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Map shows the estimated prevalence rate of severe housing deprivation (per 10,000 people) for the census usually resident population for the 2023 Census.

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Map shows the percentage of households in occupied private dwellings that owned their home or held it in a family trust for the 2023 Census.

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Map shows the percentage of occupied private dwellings that were damp or mouldy for the 2023 Census.

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Download lookup file from Stats NZ ArcGIS Online or embedded attachment in Stats NZ geographic data service. Download data table (excluding the geometry column for CSV files) using the instructions in the Koordinates help guide.

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Footnotes

Geographical boundaries

Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023 (updated December 2023) has information about geographic boundaries as of 1 January 2023. Address data from 2013 and 2018 Censuses was updated to be consistent with the 2023 areas. Due to the changes in area boundaries and coding methodologies, 2013 and 2018 counts published in 2023 may be slightly different to those published in 2013 or 2018.

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Subnational census usually resident population

The census usually resident population count of an area (subnational count) is a count of all people who usually live in that area and were present in New Zealand on census night. It excludes visitors from overseas, visitors from elsewhere in New Zealand, and residents temporarily overseas on census night. For example, a person who usually lives in Christchurch city and is visiting Wellington city on census night will be included in the census usually resident population count of Christchurch city. 

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Population counts

Stats NZ publishes a number of different population counts, each using a different definition and methodology. Population statistics – user guide has more information about different counts. 

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Caution using time series

Time series data should be interpreted with care due to changes in census methodology and differences in response rates between censuses. The 2023 and 2018 Censuses used a combined census methodology (using census responses and administrative data), while the 2013 Census used a full-field enumeration methodology (with no use of administrative data).

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Severe housing deprivation time series

The 2018 estimates of severe housing deprivation have been updated using the 2023 methodology for estimating severe housing deprivation. Severe housing deprivation (homelessness) estimates – updated methodology: 2023 Census has more information.

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Severe housing deprivation

Figures in this map and geospatial file exclude Women’s refuge data, as well as estimates for children living in non-private dwellings. Severe housing deprivation (homelessness) estimates – updated methodology: 2023 Census has more information.

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Dwelling density

This data shows the average number of private dwellings (occupied and unoccupied) per square kilometre of land for an area. This is a measure of dwelling density.

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About the 2023 Census dataset

For information on the 2023 Census dataset see Using a combined census model for the 2023 Census. We combined data from the census forms with administrative data to create the 2023 Census dataset, which meets Stats NZ's quality criteria for population structure information. We added real data about real people to the dataset where we were confident the people who hadn’t completed a census form (which is known as admin enumeration) will be counted. We also used data from the 2018 and 2013 Censuses, administrative data sources, and statistical imputation methods to fill in some missing characteristics of people and dwellings.

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Data quality

The quality of data in the 2023 Census is assessed using the quality rating scale and the quality assurance framework to determine whether data is fit for purpose and suitable for release. Data quality assurance in the 2023 Census has more information.

​

Quality rating of a variable

The quality rating of a variable provides an overall evaluation of data quality for that variable, usually at the highest levels of classification. The quality ratings shown are for the 2023 Census unless stated. There is variability in the quality of data at smaller geographies. Data quality may also vary between censuses, for subpopulations, or when cross tabulated with other variables or at lower levels of the classification. Data quality ratings for 2023 Census variables has more information on quality ratings by variable.

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Census usually resident population count concept quality rating

The census usually resident population count is rated as very high quality.

Census usually resident population count – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Quality of severe housing deprivation data

Severe housing deprivation (homelessness) estimates – updated methodology: 2023 Census has more information on the data quality of this variable.

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Dwelling occupancy status quality rating

Dwelling occupancy status is rated as high quality.

Dwelling occupancy status – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Dwelling type quality rating

Dwelling type is rated as moderate quality.

Dwelling type – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Tenure of household quality rating

Tenure of household is rated as moderate quality.

Tenure of household – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Dwelling dampness indicator quality rating

Dwelling dampness indicator is rated as moderate quality.

Housing quality – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Dwelling mould indicator quality rating

Dwelling mould indicator is rated as moderate quality.

Housing quality – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Using data for good

Stats NZ expects that, when working with census

Housing Index in New Zealand increased to 2291 Points in October from 2287 Points in September of 2025. This dataset provides - New Zealand House Prices MoM Change - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

According to a survey on regional homelessness conducted in September 2018, at around 40 percent, the majority of people living in temporary accommodation in the Auckland region in New Zealand were of Māori origin. In the same year, an estimated 16 percent of the entire population of the country were Māori, while only eight percent had a Pacific background.

According to a survey on regional homelessness conducted in September 2018, at around 38.1 percent, the majority of people living without a shelter in the Auckland region in New Zealand were based in the Waitematā district. Housing unaffordability in Auckland has contributed to the significant increase in homelessness across the region.

New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Actual Rentals for Housing data was reported at 9.200 % in Jun 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 9.200 % for Mar 2018. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Actual Rentals for Housing data is updated quarterly, averaging 8.780 % from Jun 2006 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 49 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9.220 % in Jun 2017 and a record low of 6.870 % in Mar 2008. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Actual Rentals for Housing data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics New Zealand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.I004: Consumer Price Index: Weights.

In June 2025, around **** billion New Zealand dollars were lent for residential property financing in New Zealand, with the largest share borrowed by owner-occupiers. The monthly value of residential mortgage lending in New Zealand to all borrowers reached its peak in March 2021.

Urban rural 2023 update

UR 2023 is the first major update of the geography since it was first created in 2018. The update is to ensure UR geographies are relevant and meet criteria before each five-yearly population and dwelling census. UR 2023 contains 13 new rural settlements and 7 new small urban areas. Updates were made to reflect real world change including new subdivisions and motorways, and to improve delineation of urban areas and rural settlements. The Wānaka urban area, whose population has grown to be more than 10,000 based on population estimates, has been reclassified to a medium urban area in the 2023 urban rural indicator.

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In the 2023 classification there are:

• 7 major urban areas
• 13 large urban areas
• 23 medium urban areas
• 152 small urban areas
• 402 rural settlements.

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This dataset is the definitive version of the annually released urban rural (UR) boundaries as at 1 January 2023 as defined by Stats NZ. This version contains 745 UR areas, including 195 urban areas and 402 rural settlements.

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Urban rural (UR) is an output geography that classifies New Zealand into areas that share common urban or rural characteristics and is used to disseminate a broad range of Stats NZ’s social, demographic and economic statistics.

The UR separately identifies urban areas, rural settlements, other rural areas, and water areas. Urban areas and rural settlements are form-based geographies delineated by the inspection of aerial imagery, local government land designations on district plan maps, address registers, property title data, and any other available information. However, because the underlying meshblock pattern is used to define the geographies, boundaries may not align exactly with local government land designations or what can be seen in aerial images. Other rural areas, and bodies of water represent areas not included within an urban area.

Urban areas are built from the statistical area 2 (SA2) geography, while rural and water areas are built from the statistical area 1 (SA1) geography.

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Non-digitised

The following 4 non-digitised UR areas have been aggregated from the 16 non-digitised meshblocks/SA2s.

6901; Oceanic outside region, 6902; Oceanic oil rigs, 6903; Islands outside region, 6904; Ross Dependency outside region.

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UR numbering and naming

Each urban area and rural settlement is a single geographic entity with a name and a numeric code.

Other rural areas, inland water areas, and inlets are defined by territorial authority; oceanic areas are defined by regional council; and each have a name and a numeric code.

Urban rural codes have four digits. North Island locations start with a 1, South Island codes start with a 2, oceanic codes start with a 6 and non-digitised codes start with 69.

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Urban rural indicator (IUR)

The accompanying urban rural indicator (IUR) classifies the urban, rural, and water areas by type. Urban areas are further classified by the size of their estimated resident population:

• major urban area – 100,000 or more residents,
• large urban area – 30,000–99,999 residents,
• medium urban area – 10,000–29,999 residents,
• small urban area – 1,000–9,999 residents.

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This was based on 2018 Census data and 2021 population estimates. Their IUR status (urban area size/rural settlement) may change if the 2023 Census population count moves them up or down a category.

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The indicators, by name, with their codes in brackets, are:

urban area – major urban (11), large urban (12), medium urban (13), small urban (14),

rural area – rural settlement (21), rural other (22),

water – inland water (31), inlet (32), oceanic (33).

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The urban rural indicator complements the urban rural geography and is an attribute in this dataset. Further information on the urban rural indicator is available on the Stats NZ classification and coding tool ARIA.

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For more information please refer to the Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023.

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Generalised version

This generalised version has been simplified for rapid drawing and is designed for thematic or web mapping purposes.

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Macrons

Names are provided with and without tohutō/macrons. The column name for those without macrons is suffixed ‘ascii’.

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Digital data

Digital boundary data became freely available on 1 July 2007.

To download geographic classifications in table formats such as CSV please use Ariā

New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Home Ownership: Purchase of new housing data was reported at 5.500 % in Jun 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 5.500 % for Mar 2018. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Home Ownership: Purchase of new housing data is updated quarterly, averaging 4.200 % from Jun 2006 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 49 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.510 % in Mar 2011 and a record low of 4.010 % in Mar 2014. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Home Ownership: Purchase of new housing data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics New Zealand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.I004: Consumer Price Index: Weights.

The mortgage lending value to investors for residential property in New Zealand amounted to around *** billion New Zealand dollars in June 2025. Property investment fluctuated within the given period, reaching its highest lending value of around *** billion New Zealand dollars in December 2020.

New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing and Household Utilities: Actual Rentals for Housing data was reported at 1,025.000 Jun2017=1000 in Jun 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,017.000 Jun2017=1000 for Mar 2018. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing and Household Utilities: Actual Rentals for Housing data is updated quarterly, averaging 845.182 Jun2017=1000 from Jun 1999 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 77 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,025.000 Jun2017=1000 in Jun 2018 and a record low of 695.103 Jun2017=1000 in Sep 2001. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing and Household Utilities: Actual Rentals for Housing data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics New Zealand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.I002: Consumer Price Index: Jun2017=1000.

According to a survey on regional homelessness conducted in September 2018, at around 83 percent, the majority of people living without a shelter in the Auckland region in New Zealand were male. In the same survey period, around two percent of the homeless population in Auckland identified as neither male nor female.

New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Property Rates and Related Services (RS) data was reported at 3.540 % in Jun 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 3.540 % for Mar 2018. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Property Rates and Related Services (RS) data is updated quarterly, averaging 2.740 % from Jun 2006 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 49 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.540 % in Jun 2018 and a record low of 2.440 % in Mar 2008. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Property Rates and Related Services (RS) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics New Zealand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.I004: Consumer Price Index: Weights.

First-home buyers in New Zealand borrowed approximately **** billion New Zealand dollars in June 2025 for residential mortgages. The highest lending value for first home buyers within the given time period was recorded in March 2021.

New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing and Household Utilities: Home Ownership data was reported at 1,039.000 Jun2017=1000 in Jun 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,028.000 Jun2017=1000 for Mar 2018. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing and Household Utilities: Home Ownership data is updated quarterly, averaging 478.014 Jun2017=1000 from Jun 1984 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 137 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,039.000 Jun2017=1000 in Jun 2018 and a record low of 189.599 Jun2017=1000 in Jun 1984. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing and Household Utilities: Home Ownership data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics New Zealand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.I002: Consumer Price Index: Jun2017=1000.

Average House Prices in New Zealand increased to 902020 NZD in October from 900521 NZD in September of 2025. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for New Zealand Average House Prices.

New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing and Household Utilities: Property Rates and Related Services data was reported at 1,031.000 Jun2017=1000 in Jun 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 1,031.000 Jun2017=1000 for Mar 2018. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing and Household Utilities: Property Rates and Related Services data is updated quarterly, averaging 693.796 Jun2017=1000 from Jun 1999 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 77 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,031.000 Jun2017=1000 in Jun 2018 and a record low of 384.747 Jun2017=1000 in Jun 1999. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing and Household Utilities: Property Rates and Related Services data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics New Zealand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.I002: Consumer Price Index: Jun2017=1000.

The cost per square meter for residential housing development of townhouses in Auckland, New Zealand was estimated to be ***** New Zealand dollars in 2018. In the same year, the number of new dwelling consents in the Auckland region increased by about **** percent compared to the previous year.

The price of residential property in New Zealand was the highest in the Auckland region in October 2025, with an average sale price of over *** million New Zealand dollars. The most populated city in the country, Auckland, has consistently reported higher house prices compared to most other regions. Buying property in New Zealand, particularly in its major cities, is expensive. The nation has one of the highest house-price-to-income ratios in the world. Auckland residential market The residential housing market in Auckland is competitive. Prices have been slowly decreasing although the Auckland region experienced an annual increase in the average residential house price in October 2025 compared to the same month in the previous year. The price of residential property in Auckland was the highest in the Auckland City district, with an average sale price of around **** million New Zealand dollars. Home financing Due to the rising cost of real estate, an increasing number of New Zealanders who want to own their own property are taking on mortgages. Most residential mortgage lending in New Zealand went to owner-occupier borrowers, followed by first home buyers. In addition to mortgage lending, previously under the KiwiSaver HomeStart initiative, first-home buyers in New Zealand were able to apply to withdraw all or part of their KiwiSaver retirement savings to assist with purchasing a first home. Nonetheless, the scheme was discontinued in May 2024. Furthermore, even with a large initial deposit, it may take decades for many borrowers to pay off their mortgage.

New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Property Maintenance data was reported at 2.140 % in Jun 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 2.140 % for Mar 2018. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Property Maintenance data is updated quarterly, averaging 3.090 % from Jun 2006 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 49 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.570 % in Mar 2014 and a record low of 2.140 % in Jun 2018. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Property Maintenance data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics New Zealand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.I004: Consumer Price Index: Weights.