Coasties are getting a closer look at how Auckland’s housing landscape is evolving.

With Auckland’s rapid growth, medium-density housing—like terraced homes and apartments—has become increasingly popular.

A new Auckland Council study has explored how these housing options are working for the city’s residents, shedding light on both the benefits and challenges.

The research, which surveyed over 1,300 Aucklanders living in recently built homes, aims to understand how well these spaces meet the needs of those living in them.

One of the standout findings was that smaller households reported higher satisfaction with their homes compared to larger households, indicating that medium-density housing could be better suited to certain household sizes.

One common challenge identified in the study is the lack of storage, which affects the overall functionality of the homes.

Residents also expressed a need for more versatile spaces to accommodate activities such as working from home, hobbies, and exercise.

The council has noted these findings as an opportunity for improvement.

While they don’t build homes themselves, they are working closely with developers to ensure future housing developments meet the diverse needs of Aucklanders.

The insights from this study will also be used to inform the Auckland Design Manual, a guide that promotes best practices in housing design.

With 64,800 new homes added since 2018, Auckland’s housing supply is growing, but the city’s leadership is focused on ensuring that this growth provides suitable, affordable, and well-designed homes for its residents.

By listening to those living in medium-density housing now, the council hopes to create better outcomes for future developments.