What Is The Average Apartment Size In New Zealand?

New Zealand, a country known for its stunning landscapes and high quality of life, has seen significant changes in its housing market over the years. One aspect that has garnered attention is the average apartment size in the country. This article delves into the topic, exploring various sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of apartment sizes in New Zealand.

New home sizes shrink as cities densify, but many ‘mega-homes’ continue to be built

According to a Stuff.co.nz article, new home sizes in New Zealand have been shrinking as cities become more densely populated. However, the article also notes that despite this trend, many “mega-homes” continue to be built. The average floor area of new homes consented in 2019 was 21 square meters smaller than the peak in 2010. This shift towards smaller homes is attributed to the increasing demand for housing in urban areas and the need for more affordable options.

Minimum vs Maximum Size and the New Zealand House

A study published on ResearchGate explores the concept of minimum and maximum house sizes in New Zealand. The authors argue that while there are no explicit minimum size requirements for houses in the country, there are implicit minimums set by market demand and societal expectations. On the other hand, maximum house sizes are not regulated, leading to the construction of large, resource-intensive homes. The study highlights the need for a more balanced approach to housing size to ensure sustainability and affordability.

The extracted data provided by ResearchGate reveals the following size ranges for houses and apartments in New Zealand:

Houses:

The average area of houses has increased over the years. In 1976, the average house size was 121 m². By 2011, this had grown to 219 m².

Apartments:

Similarly, the average area of apartments has also seen an increase. In 1976, the average apartment size was 83 m². This increased to 111 m² by 2011.

Regulations:

The regulations have also seen changes in the minimum size requirements over the years:

For a studio or bedsit (1 person), the size has increased from 19 m² (as per 1947 regulations) to 35 m² (as per Auckland City 2005 regulations).

For a 1-bedroom apartment (2 person), the size has increased from 22 m² (as per 1947 regulations) to 45 m² (as per Auckland City 2005 regulations).

For a 2-bedroom apartment (3-4 person), the size is 70 m² (as per Auckland City 2005 regulations).

For a 3-bedroom apartment (4-6 person), the size is 90 m² (as per Auckland City 2005 regulations).

Please note that these are average sizes and actual sizes may vary.

Minimum Size Requirements in New Zealand:

New Zealand does not have implemented minimum housing size standards, except for central Auckland where the Auckland City Council imposed minimum housing size standards over new dwellings under their jurisdiction in 2004. Therefore, it’s not possible to provide a table of minimum size requirements for New Zealand as a whole.

Trends and Changes in House and Apartment Sizes (2000 – 2011):

The data shows that over the period from 2000 to 2011, the average size of houses in New Zealand generally increased, while the average size of apartments fluctuated. In 2000, the average house size was 177 m², and the average apartment size was 105 m². By 2011, the average house size had increased to 219 m², and the average apartment size had increased to 111 m². This indicates a trend towards larger living spaces over this period.

Apartment size to be controlled

The New Zealand Herald reports on a proposed plan to control apartment sizes in Auckland. The plan aims to set minimum size requirements for apartments to ensure that they are livable and meet the needs of residents. The article discusses the concerns raised by some developers who argue that the proposed regulations could increase construction costs and reduce the supply of affordable housing. However, proponents of the plan believe that it is necessary to maintain the quality of life for apartment dwellers.

Statistics New Zealand and Branz Research Institute – Bedroom and Room Standards and Large Housing in New Zealand – ASA_2017

A research paper presented at the 51st International Conference of the Architectural Science Association delves into the topic of apartment sizes in New Zealand. The authors analyze data from various sources to determine the average size of apartments in the country. They find that the average size of a one-bedroom apartment is approximately 50 square meters, while two-bedroom apartments average around 70 square meters. The paper also discusses the factors that influence apartment sizes, such as location, target market, and building regulations.

Median floor area of new homes consented decreases 10 percent

Statistics New Zealand reports that the median floor area of new homes consented in the country decreased by 10 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year. The median floor area for new homes was 180 square meters in 2020, down from 200 square meters in 2019. This decrease is attributed to the growing popularity of townhouses and apartments, which typically have smaller floor areas than standalone houses. The report also notes that the median floor area of new homes varies significantly across different regions of the country.

In conclusion, the average apartment size in New Zealand is influenced by various factors, including urbanization, housing affordability, and changing societal preferences. While there is a trend towards smaller homes in densely populated areas, the country still sees the construction of large, resource-intensive houses. Efforts to control apartment sizes aim to strike a balance between affordability and livability. As New Zealand continues to grapple with housing challenges, it is essential to consider the implications of apartment sizes on the well-being of residents and the sustainability of the built environment.