The future of property is cosy: Why Kiwi are searching for comfort and solar in 2026

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The future of property is cosy: Why Kiwi are searching for comfort and solar in 2026

Economic pressures, shifting travel habits, and energy costs are fundamentally changing what Kiwi look for in a home.

Trade Me Property team
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Kiwi homebuyers are now prioritizing comfort and efficiency, a trend futurist Melissa Clark-Reynolds calls the "cosy home." Buyers want turnkey properties to avoid unpredictable renovation costs.

Trade Me Property data confirms this shift, with searches for "renovated" homes jumping 75% year-on-year.

Driven by energy costs, searches for "solar" have also surged by a massive 235%. These sustainable, move-in-ready features are no longer a bonus but a primary value driver for property seekers across New Zealand.

The massive demand for renovated homes

Solar energy becomes a major value driver

Searches for solar features are through the roof

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Trade Me Property team Trade Me Property team