Hibiscus Coast App

Kiwis Choose Property Over Passion

Hibiscus Coast App

Staff Reporter

12 October 2025, 8:00 PM

Kiwis Choose Property Over PassionHomes outshine romance in revealing new survey.

A new national survey has confirmed what many already believe. New Zealanders are more in love with property than romance.


Trade Me Property’s latest survey of 2,500 people found that 13 percent would rather browse homes than have sex, while more than half prefer scrolling real estate listings to swiping on dating apps.





Spokesperson Casey Wylde said the findings show just how strong the obsession is.


“Our passion for property runs deep, so deep that more than 300 people said it’s more appealing than romance,” she said.


Many still enjoy daydreaming about luxury homes, but more are staying realistic.


Only 38 percent now look at homes beyond their price range, compared with 59 percent last year.


“While it’s fun to imagine winning Lotto and buying a mansion, Kiwis are being more pragmatic this year,” Wylde said.


“Most people browse to check sale prices and see what homes are selling for.”


The survey also revealed a strong streak of curiosity.


About one in three admit to checking out friends’ or neighbours’ homes online, showing that we still love a good property peek.





Even on the Hibiscus Coast, locals say browsing from the couch, bed, or even the bathroom has become a daily habit.


Lifestyle blocks remain the top dream property at 25 percent, followed by beach houses at 23 percent.


Both are firm favourites among Coasties.


For many people, this habit goes beyond mere curiosity.


Nearly half said property browsing motivates them to work towards owning a home one day.



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