About the project
Timeframe: 1.5 years
Total levy funding: $182,000
New Zealand’s homes are changing fast, and our data needs to keep up. To create a clearer picture of what kinds of homes we have, how many need upgrades, and to plan for population change, BRANZ is leading research to update the national housing typology.
A housing typology categorises homes based on things like their style, age, materials, and how they’re built. For example, a 1920s villa is very different from 1960s multi-unit housing. These categories help governments and planners decide where changes are needed, forecast future housing needs, and track progress on making homes healthier and more affordable.
Back in 2008, 10 categories were developed for New Zealand homes – but our housing has changed a lot since then. Today, medium-density housing, modern apartments, high-performance homes, Māori-led developments, and more are all grouped in a catch-all “other” category. This makes it hard to realistically evaluate and improve New Zealand’s housing.
Led by BRANZ, and backed by $182,000 Building Research Levy funding, this collaborative project will:
- create an updated typology, with new categories for homes built in the last 20 years
- give better estimates of how many and which homes need retrofits
- provide a clearer picture of housing supply and future needs for New Zealand.
This collaborative, data-driven effort will deliver lasting benefits for New Zealand’s housing future. BRANZ is working with government, Stats NZ, Māori housing providers, research organisations and experts to make sure the new system fits real New Zealand homes and help make better decisions for healthier, resilient, affordable and sustainable homes.