Privacy, Peace and Practicality: How Kiwi Families Are Rethinking the Family Home

The way New Zealand families live is changing, with younger generations embracing new approaches to home life, including flexible living arrangements and a renewed interest in traditional design features. However, despite evolving dynamics, personal space and privacy remain key priorities for most growing families, according to a new LJ Hooker study.

Key insights from the research include:

• Multi-generational living remains rare – Only 27% of Kiwis would be open to living with their in-laws, and 60% of those would want a self-contained space for them.
• Sharing bedrooms is a deal-breaker – 58% of parents wouldn’t buy a home where their children would have to share a bedroom.
• Support for adult children is strong, but conditional – 52% of parents expect their children to start paying rent after age 18, though most don’t expect them to move out until around 28.
• Gen Z values formal spaces – 70% of Gen Z say formal living and dining rooms are still relevant, compared to just 43% of Baby Boomers.
• Tranquillity tops the wish list – A quiet, peaceful community was the top priority for 43% of Kiwis, ahead of proximity to shops, schools, or public transport.

Personal space remains a top priority

While rising property prices have sparked conversation around multi-generational living, the research shows it remains a less-preferred option for most. Only 27% of respondents said they would be open to living with their in-laws, and even among that group, 60% would only consider it if the arrangement included self-contained accommodation.

At the same time, privacy for children is equally important. More than half (58%) of parents said they would not consider buying a home where their children would have to share a bedroom.

LJ Hooker Head of Network NZ Campbell Dunoon said while family structures are evolving, the desire for space and independence remains strong.

“Dynamics have changed a lot in recent years, and this may mean living with your in-laws or having your children stay at home longer than they might have a decade or two ago,” Dunoon said.

“These decisions are typically made to save money. While they help keep the family together, they also allow a child to put extra money aside to get onto the property ladder faster or to figure out their next steps in life. At the other end of the family, it allows aging parents to be near and well looked after.”

Young Kiwis embrace traditional home design

One surprising insight is that younger generations are placing renewed value on formal living and dining spaces—features often associated with older, more traditional homes.

While 70% of Gen Z respondents said these spaces were still relevant, only 43% of Baby Boomers agreed.

“Surprisingly, younger people are seeing more relevancy in having formal dining and living spaces in the home,” Dunoon said.

“When we looked into this more, we found that older generations who had these rooms as a cornerstone of their upbringing feel they’ve had their time. Meanwhile, younger generations, who may have opted for smaller homes without these spaces, now see value in having dedicated areas for bonding and eating.”

Community matters—especially quiet ones

When it comes to choosing where to live, it’s not just about the house—it’s about the neighbourhood. The top priority for New Zealanders when choosing a community is a peaceful, quiet atmosphere, with 43% of respondents ranking this above proximity to amenities or even school zones.

Comments from respondents highlighted the importance of a friendly, secure, and connected environment, often with access to nature and green space.

For families with children, school zoning remains a key factor, with 57% of parents saying it’s a top consideration when selecting a suburb.

“Everyone has a different vision of what their dream location will look like,” Dunoon said.

“But it’s clear that the majority of New Zealanders want a home where they can relax and escape from the rush of day-to-day life.”