Understanding key barriers to the delivery of multigenerational housing in New Zealand (2025)

This research report, prepared by The Urban Advisory and funded by the Building Research Levy, explores the question: “What are the key barriers to the delivery of multigenerational housing in New Zealand?”

To answer this, 35 in-depth interviews were conducted with council staff, developers, and multigenerational housing residents, supported by a literature review examining the growing need for diverse housing options that reflect New Zealand’s changing demographics and economic realities.

The findings show that delivering multigenerational housing in Aotearoa is hindered by a complex set of interconnected barriers. These include deeply embedded social norms favouring the nuclear family model, gaps in policy and planning frameworks, limited industry understanding and investment, and household-level challenges such as access to finance and legal clarity. The research also highlights the distinct perspectives of Māori and Pacific communities, for whom multigenerational living is rooted in cultural values of connection, care, and collective wellbeing, reinforcing the importance of culturally responsive housing solutions.

Read the report here