How Ageing in Place Is Redefining What Dream Homes Look Like
Residential
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Residential
For decades, the dream home of many was defined by its size and number of luxurious features. That vision has been evolving for many New Zealand homeowners over the years. People are choosing homes that can carry them through their later years.
The modern dream home is one where the whole family can live safely, comfortably and independently, made possible through thoughtful design, accessibility, convenience and long-term thinking.
New Zealand’s population is ageing. In fact, there will be 599,800 older adults aged 65-74 in 2034, up from 432,500 in 2018. Alongside the ageing population, there is a rise in property prices and moving costs. As a result, many homeowners are ageing in place and viewing properties through a forever-home mindset. The home should be able to adapt to changing mobility and lifestyle through the years.
An accessibility-focused home can still align with today’s market preference for clean and functional design. Here are key considerations to have when buying or renovating a home to support ageing in place.
Small design changes can make a significant difference for the people living in the house.
Key examples include:
● Step-free entrances.
● Wider doorways.
● Lever door handles.
● Smart home technology.
● Accessible electrical outlets and switches.
● Good indoor and outdoor lighting.
These features ensure that older adults can live comfortably at home. For homeowners with multilevel homes, stairs can be a significant hurdle to mobility, making it no surprise that over 90% of homeowners consider a residential elevator a worthwhile investment. These elevators help older adults move items between floors, whether that's laundry or suitcases. Elevators also easily accommodate wheelchairs, walkers and scooters and reduce stair-related falls.
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most frequented rooms in the house. Features such as slip-resistant flooring, task lighting and accessible storage solutions make living significantly easier. Bathrooms, in particular, are slippery and will need elements to prevent accidents. Examples are level-entry showers, grab rails and comfort-height toilets.
A significant 77% of adults over 50 wish to stay in place. While this figure comes from broader ageing-in-place research, it reflects a priority many New Zealand homeowners share — staying comfortable, independent and connected to their communities for as long as possible.
One of the ways to make ageing-in-place more viable is by choosing durable materials that are easy to care for and don’t require high maintenance. This includes weatherboard exteriors, composite decking and quality roofing materials. Opting for these materials helps homeowners enjoy their time at home rather than continually fixing problems.
First-time home buyers accounted for 25% of new home loans in New Zealand in the first half of 2025. First-time homeowners should consider the community and location when choosing a home. Older adults can benefit from proximity to healthcare providers, supermarkets, public transport, parks, recreational facilities, walkable neighbourhoods and community services. These community perks support people’s independence and improve their quality of life in the long run.
Thinking long-term about your living situation is key to making a smart home investment. Homes can be renovated and improved to support homeowners over the years. Factors such as residential elevators, low-maintenance materials, accessibility and community are vital aspects that make daily living significantly easier.
About the Author: Evelyn Long is a trusted voice in real estate dedicated to helping millennial and Gen Z buyers make their homeownership dreams a reality. Her insights appear in top publications like the National Association of Realtors and Realty Executives, where she breaks down market updates and practical steps for young buyers. As editor in chief of Renovated Magazine, Evelyn is passionate about empowering the next generation to confidently enter the real estate market
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