Kiwis prioritise privacy, tradition, and peaceful neighbourhoods

The latest LJ Hooker study shows most Kiwi families continue to prioritise privacy and personal space above all.  

Only 27% would consider living with in-laws—60% of those only if a self-contained setup is available—and 58% of parents wouldn’t buy a home where children must share a bedroom.  

This strong preference for independence builds on earlier LJ Hooker findings, which showed that 81% of New Zealanders—particularly younger generations—still aspire to own their home. 

Campbell Dunoon (pictured), LJ Hooker head of Network NZ, noted the balance families are trying to strike between saving money and maintaining independence. 

“Dynamics have changed a lot in recent years, and this may mean living with your in-laws or having your children stay at home longer than they might have a decade or two ago,” Dunoon said. 

“These decisions are typically made to save money. While they help keep the family together, they also allow a child to put extra money aside to get onto the property ladder faster or to figure out their next steps in life.  

“At the other end of the family, it allows aging parents to be near and well looked after.” 

Support for adult kids—with limits 

While many parents are open to their children living at home well into their twenties, financial expectations are shifting.  

The study found 52% of parents expect their adult children to start paying rent once they turn 18, though most don’t expect them to move out until around age 28. 

Gen Z values formal living more than boomers 

In a surprising generational shift, younger Kiwis are showing a renewed appreciation for traditional home features.  

The LJ Hooker research revealed 70% of Gen Z believe formal dining and living rooms are still relevant—compared to just 43% of Baby Boomers. 

“Surprisingly, younger people are seeing more relevancy in having formal dining and living spaces in the home,” Dunoon said. 

“When we looked into this more, we found that older generations who had these rooms as a cornerstone of their upbringing feel they’ve had their time.  

“Meanwhile, younger generations, who may have opted for smaller homes without these spaces, now see value in having dedicated areas for bonding and eating.” 

Quiet neighbourhoods top the Kiwi wish list 

When choosing a place to live, a peaceful environment ranks as the top priority for New Zealanders. Forty-three per cent of respondents cited a quiet neighbourhood as more important than proximity to shops, schools, or public transport. 

For families, school zones remain important, with 57% of parents calling it a key consideration when selecting a suburb. 

“Everyone has a different vision of what their dream location will look like,” Dunoon said. 

“But it’s clear that the majority of New Zealanders want a home where they can relax and escape from the rush of day-to-day life.”