Buying or renting a home is a big decision. We all want a home that meets our needs—safe, warm, functional, and affordable. Being connected to our communities, having easy access to work, and having services close by are crucial factors in shaping our choices. That’s why a mix of housing types is essential. Medium density housing—such as terraced houses, duplexes, and apartments—is becoming increasingly popular and more housing density is key to providing more affordable housing choices in Auckland.
Auckland is in the early stages of its experience with medium density housing. Before the Auckland Unitary Plan—our city’s planning rulebook—was introduced in 2016, standalone houses were the most common housing type. Now, it is medium density options, which made up two-thirds of new homes consented in the last year.
With Auckland’s rapid growth over the past decade, the city is transitioning to new housing types and ways of living. This journey is just beginning. As new housing is delivered, it’s important to assess how well it performs. Who better to ask than Aucklanders living in new medium density housing? Undertaking research helps us better understand their experiences.
Understanding lived experiences
A comprehensive Auckland Council study examined the experiences of residents living in their recently built homes. By hearing the voices of over 1300 residents, we can understand whether this housing meets the day-to-day needs of households, what works well, and what could be improved. If something works, we can do more of it. If it does not, the industry have an opportunity to do things differently.
It’s about creating efficiencies, doing things once versus retrofitting later, and focusing on homes that are functional, flexible, and adaptive to daily needs.
These insights are valuable for everyone involved in housing, from researchers and regulators to developers, helping to drive improvements and better meet the diverse needs of all Aucklanders.
Key findings
Key findings show that medium density housing meets some of the needs of some households, particularly smaller households who report greater satisfaction than larger ones.
One of the biggest pain points is the lack of storage, which affects the functionality of living spaces. The study also highlighted a need for more diversity in number of bedrooms and dedicated spaces for activities like working from home, exercise, and hobbies.
While the council does not build homes, we actively engage with the development community to promote best practices. The study’s unique insights allow us to work collaboratively with developers to enhance the quality and functionality of homes, ensuring they meet the day-to-day needs of a wider range of households in the future.
The research findings can also be used to inform the Auckland Design Manual, our non-statutory best practice guide for design and construction, and the development of future climate, transport, and land use policies.
Many types of Auckland homes, old and new, face similar issues—from villas to bungalows and post-war state houses. However, the study underscores our commitment to improving urban living and ensuring that medium density housing contributes positively to Auckland’s development. By continuously seeking feedback and using data-driven insights, we aim to create a city where every resident can find a home that suits their needs and lifestyle.
Housing is not a one-size-fits-all approach. While medium density housing is an important part of Auckland’s housing mix, it won’t suit everyone. We recognise that individuals and households at different life stages have diverse needs, preferences, and lifestyles, which is why we aim to provide for a variety of housing choices.
More homes, choices and improving affordability
Overall, our city needs more housing, and having medium density options near jobs, transport and everyday needs such as shops, schools, and parks is important.
Since the council boosted housing capacity in 2016 there has been a substantial increase in new homes and more choices in housing type and location, helping to improve affordability, including more medium density housing options. The 2023 Census results show a striking shift with an increase in 64,800 homes since 2018, an 11.9 per cent increase, outpacing population growth over the same period.
Auckland's rental and housing prices have grown more slowly than the rest of New Zealand. Research by the University of Auckland found that between 2017-2024, Auckland rents increased by 22 per cent, compared with 34 per cent nationally. Data showed that rents in Auckland would have been at least 27 per cent higher in 2022 without changes to the city’s planning rules to allow for more housing density and choice.
The study’s findings should be seen as an opportunity for positive change. Medium density housing is here to stay. As this is how many Aucklanders will live, listening to them now will improve outcomes in the future. Through ongoing collaboration and innovation, we can help create homes and communities that meet the diverse needs of our growing population.
Read the summary report of the Life in Medium Density Housing in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland study here.
