Housing and Wellbeing: Analysis of new housing survey data

Independent, robust, nationally representative data on the condition of New Zealand housing provides the evidence base necessary to inform policy and monitor changes and progress over time. Maintaining an up-to-date and accurate picture of the condition of our housing stock is essential to inform and support policy. The government has used the BRANZ House Condition Survey (HCS) extensively in developing the healthy homes standards for rentals to make a difference to the living environments for New Zealanders. This research used new housing quality data from the Pilot Housing Survey (PHS) and General Social Survey (GSS) to provide up-to-date evidence on and new insights into housing condition and occupant wellbeing. It explored the association between subjective (GSS) and objective (PHS) housing data and self-reported physical, social and economic wellbeing. This was done in close collaboration and partnership with Stats NZ and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, maintaining and building on the relationships developed in delivering the PHS. This project analysed and reported on key findings from the surveys to complement and enhance the existing suite of HCS results. BRANZ brought its experience in analysing and interpreting housing survey data and benefits from insights and expertise from policy analysts and statisticians. The study results provided updated evidence on the condition of New Zealand housing and how this distributes across the population. This research also guided the development of an appropriate and effective measure of housing quality and helped define priorities for improving our homes. The research findings contributed new evidence and insights to help understand the association between house condition and occupant wellbeing.