The 2026 Kiwi House Enchancment Report
Outside upgrades prepared the ground in 2026
If there’s one factor Kiwi owners are targeted on this 12 months, it’s benefiting from the house they have already got. Landscaping and backyard work tops the checklist for 2026, with 36% of householders planning a challenge, adopted in third by deck and out of doors dwelling areas at 32%.
Carried out in February, our survey exhibits that house enhancements exterior the home at the moment are edging out the extra conventional renovation areas. Whereas inside updates and loos each sit at 31%, and kitchens at 29%, it’s clear that the part is a significant precedence proper now, and spending time outdoor is turning into simply as essential as upgrading the within of the house.
Common repairs and upkeep additionally rank extremely at 32%, exhibiting a broader development of householders prioritising the maintenance of their present property over enterprise huge, structural renovations.
The trades behind the renovation
Most renovations aren’t one-off jobs. On common, a challenge now covers 2–3 areas of the house and entails 3–4 totally different tradies to get the work completed. It exhibits owners aren’t simply fixing one factor and shifting on, they’re fascinated with the entire house.
Builders or carpenters are essentially the most in-demand commerce, with 57% of householders needing to rent one for his or her challenge. Electricians (40%) and plumbers or fuel fitters (38%) comply with carefully behind, exhibiting what number of renovations contain structural work in addition to electrical and plumbing work.
Even these widespread out of doors initiatives typically contain extra than simply landscaping. From builders establishing retaining partitions and pergolas to electricians putting in out of doors lighting and energy, these house enhancements continuously require different trades as properly.
Ending trades are additionally seeing excessive demand, with 30% of respondents planning to rent a painter, alongside plasterers (19%), flooring specialists (18%) and tilers (18%). Although not everybody is asking within the professionals for every thing. 22% of householders say they plan to sort out at the least among the work themselves.
Regional traits: How Kiwis are renovating
Whereas out of doors initiatives are widespread nationwide, every area exhibits barely totally different renovation priorities.
- Aucklanders are main the way in which with landscaping and backyard upgrades, adopted by exterior work and repairs & upkeep
- In Canterbury, landscaping can be a significant focus, alongside repairs & upkeep. Kitchen initiatives are the following most typical renovation
- In Wellington, priorities are extra evenly break up between loos, decks, and out of doors dwelling areas
