The 2026 Kiwi Home Improvement Report

If there’s one thing Kiwi homeowners are focused on this year, it’s making the most of the space they already have. Landscaping and garden work tops the list for 2026, with 36% of homeowners planning a project, followed in third by deck and outdoor living areas at 32%.

Conducted in February, our survey shows that home improvements outside the house are now edging out the more traditional renovation spaces. While interior updates and bathrooms both sit at 31%, and kitchens at 29%, it’s clear that the section is a major priority right now, and spending time outdoors is becoming just as important as upgrading the inside of the home.

General repairs and maintenance also rank highly at 32%, showing a broader trend of homeowners prioritising the upkeep of their existing property over undertaking massive, structural renovations.

Most renovations aren’t one-off jobs. On average, a project now covers 2–3 areas of the home and involves 3–4 different tradies to get the work done. It shows homeowners aren’t just fixing one thing and moving on, they’re thinking about the whole home.

Builders or carpenters are the most in-demand trade, with 57% of homeowners needing to hire one for their project. Electricians (40%) and plumbers or gas fitters (38%) follow closely behind, showing how many renovations involve structural work as well as electrical and plumbing work.

Even those popular outdoor projects often involve more than just landscaping. From builders constructing retaining walls and pergolas to electricians installing outdoor lighting and power, these home improvements frequently require other trades as well.

Finishing trades are also seeing high demand, with 30% of respondents planning to hire a painter, alongside plasterers (19%), flooring specialists (18%) and tilers (18%). Though not everyone is calling in the professionals for everything. 22% of homeowners say they plan to tackle at least some of the work themselves.

While outdoor projects are popular nationwide, each region shows slightly different renovation priorities.

• Aucklanders are leading the way with landscaping and garden upgrades, followed by exterior work and repairs & maintenance
• In Canterbury, landscaping is also a major focus, alongside repairs & maintenance. Kitchen projects are the next most common renovation
• In Wellington, priorities are more evenly split between bathrooms, decks, and outdoor living areas