Out of doors upgrades cleared the path in 2026
If there’s one factor Kiwi owners are centered on this yr, it’s profiting from the area they have already got. Landscaping and backyard work tops the listing for 2026, with 36% of house owners planning a venture, adopted in third by deck and outside residing areas at 32%.
Performed in February, our survey reveals that residence enhancements outdoors 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 outside is turning into simply as necessary as upgrading the within of the house.
Normal repairs and upkeep additionally rank extremely at 32%, displaying a broader pattern of house owners prioritising the maintenance of their present property over endeavor huge, structural renovations.
The trades behind the renovation
Most renovations aren’t one-off jobs. On common, a venture now covers 2–3 areas of the house and entails 3–4 totally different tradies to get the work executed. It reveals owners aren’t simply fixing one factor and shifting on, they’re occupied with the entire residence.
Builders or carpenters are probably the most in-demand commerce, with 57% of house owners needing to rent one for his or her venture. Electricians (40%) and plumbers or gasoline fitters (38%) observe intently behind, displaying what number of renovations contain structural work in addition to electrical and plumbing work.
Even these fashionable outside tasks usually contain extra than simply landscaping. From builders developing retaining partitions and pergolas to electricians putting in outside lighting and energy, these residence enhancements continuously require different trades as nicely.
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 looking within the professionals for all the pieces. 22% of house owners say they plan to deal with at the least among the work themselves.
Regional traits: How Kiwis are renovating
Whereas outside tasks are fashionable nationwide, every area reveals barely totally different renovation priorities.
- Aucklanders are main the best way with landscaping and backyard upgrades, adopted by exterior work and repairs & upkeep
- In Canterbury, landscaping can also be a significant focus, alongside repairs & upkeep. Kitchen tasks are the subsequent commonest renovation
- In Wellington, priorities are extra evenly break up between loos, decks, and outside residing areas
