Housing is a huge worry for Kiwis aged 18- 40 years

Ranks as the second biggest concern for those aged 18-34
and third for 35-40 yrs

Recent research* highlights that young New Zealanders are deeply concerned about money/cost of living, housing, and healthcare (in that order). 

Access to stable, decent housing is essential for people to live well. Housing is a health intervention impacting physical and mental wellbeing. When people have stable housing, they have less stress in their lives, improved social connection with their community, and a true sense of security. 

Sadly, the once attainable Kiwi dream of owning one’s home is moving further and further out of reach for our young people. We need increased investment in and supply of affordable housing, together with innovative solutions to encourage home ownership for younger people, to begin to address the huge concern that our young people, tomorrow’s leaders and the working poor have.  

We need to collectively build a housing system that works.” (Participant at Lived Experience Workshop, April 2025)

*Research sources:
(i) The Ipsos New Zealand Issues Monitor is designed to report on the issues most important to New Zealanders today.
(ii)The findings or the Ipsos Monitor are further corroborated in research released in April 2025 that was funded by the Helen Clark Foundation and led by Shamubeel Eaqub: Social Cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Data source: Ipsos New Zealand Issues Monitor, February 2025