The top warning signs your old home may be hazardous to your health
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Older homes across New Zealand are a defining part of our neighbourhoods. They offer character, craftsmanship, and a sense of history that many newer builds simply cannot replicate. With thoughtful care and modern upgrades, these homes can continue to provide safe, comfortable living environments for generations to come.
Like any property, older homes benefit from awareness and regular maintenance. Building standards, materials, and technologies have evolved over time, which means some features may need updating to meet today’s expectations around comfort, safety, and wellbeing.
Understanding what to look out for allows homeowners, buyers, and sellers to take proactive, practical steps that protect both health and long-term property value. If you’re preparing to purchase, sell, or simply maintain an older home, exploring Property Brokers’ guidance on buying property in New Zealand can help build confidence at every stage.
Below are some common considerations in older homes, along with ways they can be effectively managed.
Moisture management is an important consideration in many older homes and is one of the most well-understood aspects of maintaining healthy indoor environments. When moisture builds up, it can encourage mould growth, which may affect air quality and trigger respiratory symptoms for some people.
Bathrooms and basements are naturally more prone to humidity, so they often require extra attention. A musty smell can sometimes indicate hidden moisture, even when mould is not immediately visible.
The good news is that dampness is usually manageable. Regular inspections, improved airflow, and practical upgrades focused on ventilation and moisture management can significantly reduce moisture levels and help maintain a dry, comfortable home.
Many older New Zealand homes use gas or early-generation electric cooktops. During cooking, both can release airborne particles that affect indoor air quality if ventilation is limited.
Gas appliances may emit nitrogen dioxide, while electric cooktops can release ultrafine particles and other by-products associated with cooking. In well-ventilated homes, these are generally manageable, but poor airflow can allow pollutants to linger.
Simple measures such as using rangehoods, opening windows during cooking, and maintaining appliances can make a meaningful difference. Being mindful of indoor air quality supports healthier living without changing how a home is used day to day.
Some older homes contain materials that were commonly used in the past but are now known to require careful management. These may include asbestos insulation, lead-based paint, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
These materials are not always a concern when they are in good condition and left undisturbed. However, deterioration or renovation work can release particles into the air, which is why professional advice is important, particularly in homes built several decades ago.
Engaging professional building inspections allows potential issues to be identified early and managed safely, helping protect household health while preserving the value and integrity of the home.
Older homes can sometimes provide easier access points for pests, particularly if subfloor areas, roof spaces, or external cladding are not regularly checked. While pest activity can affect properties of any age, early detection is especially valuable in protecting older structures.
Rodents and insects can cause damage if left unchecked, and signs such as droppings, scratching noises, or unexplained damage should be investigated promptly.
Routine inspections and preventative maintenance - often supported through property management and home care services - help safeguard both health and structural condition, while reducing the likelihood of costly repairs later on.
Electrical systems in older homes often reflect the standards of their time. While many have served households well for decades, modern living places greater demands on electrical infrastructure.
Signs such as flickering lights, warm power points, or inconsistent appliance performance can indicate that an upgrade may be beneficial. In New Zealand, all electrical work must meet current compliance requirements.
Understanding New Zealand electrical safety standards and engaging qualified professionals when upgrades are required improves safety, supports modern appliances, and provides peace of mind for homeowners and future buyers alike.
Older homes remain a cornerstone of New Zealand’s housing landscape. With awareness, regular maintenance, and occasional upgrades, they can continue to be safe, warm, and healthy places to live.
Addressing issues early allows homeowners to protect their whānau, preserve the character that makes older homes special, and enhance long-term value. Staying informed — and knowing when to seek trusted advice — empowers you to enjoy the benefits of an older home while ensuring it remains a comfortable sanctuary for years to come.
If you’d like personalised guidance, you can always talk to a local Property Brokers expert for advice tailored to your home and location.
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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