Better builds
Why Kiwis want more than just four walls and a roof, says new columnist Nathan Miglani of independent mortgage broker Squirrel South Island.
Buying a home straight off the plans has always been a leap of faith. You’re picturing your life in a home that doesn’t yet exist; trusting that the renders, drawings and images on a website or in a builder’s showroom will deliver what you are after. For many Kiwis, that trust hasn’t always been rewarded.
Recent research from our team at Squirrel, in partnership with The Research Agency (TRA), spoke to over 500 future homeowners across New Zealand. The results? While 82 per cent are open to buying off-plan, only 32 per cent are seriously considering it. The reason is simple: too many developments still feel like shoebox rentals, not homes to be loved.
What buyers really want is a combination of practicality and a deeply personal touch. A home must function well: key features mentioned were storage, warmth, privacy and energy efficiency. But beyond that, it has to reflect identity and lifestyle. Today’s buyers are asking: Does this home feel like mine?
Some key takeaways stood out from the research:
• Lifestyle fit matters: 84 per cent of buyers want a flexible third room. This is an important space that can adapt to life’s stages, whether that’s a nursery, home office or gym. Two-bedroom houses won’t cut it.
• Privacy is valuable: 39 per cent of New Zealanders associate townhouses with a lack of privacy. Developers
who integrate fencing, gardens and thoughtful layouts will stand out.
• More information is always better: Buyers need confidence that what they see in renders is what they’ll get. Give physical evidence, existing builds for comparison, and help buyers get their hands on the fittings and fixtures they will find inside their homes.
This shift is exciting because it gives developers and buyers a chance to create something better. At Squirrel, we’re helping fund projects that prioritise liveability, character and thoughtful design. With smarter finance and sharper market insight, we’re backing builds that feel worth moving into, instead of feeling like a rental.
If you are a builder or a developer, arranging finance with Squirrel is the clear choice. We remain the largest mortgage brokerage in the country, helping buyers connect with quality builders – and vice versa. If you are looking to build your new home, our financial advisers can give you the right advice to make an informed decision about building a new home.
Because at the end of the day, Kiwis don’t just want a house. They want a home that feels like theirs. And that’s exactly what we’re here to deliver. Get in touch with our team today.
