“We didn’t intend to”: 24% buy a house

One in four New Zealanders have “accidentally” bought a house.

The June 2025 survey of 1,045 adults by Horizon Research for realestate.co.nz found 24% reporting they became property owners without an initial intention to buy.

8% had spontaneously bought within the past 12 months.

Those in Auckland were more likely to buy a house in a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Realestate.co.nz spokesperson Vanessa Williams said people who “accidentally” bought houses typically did so after realising they were in a better financial position than they thought. Some were inspired after “doom scrolling” real estate listings and unexpectedly finding something that fit their budget.

“Kiwis have a real affinity with property; browsing listings is almost a national pastime.

“Attending an open home or an auction can quickly turn from casual interest to serious investment when the right property catches your eye and the price feels within reach.”

The HorizonPoll survey was conducted from 9^th to 13^th June 2025. The sample was weighted on age, gender, personal income, ethnicity and region to match the New Zealand adult population. The survey has an overall margin of error of ± 3%.