Feature article
Eco-home frenzy: the skyrocketing demand for sustainable living
This beautiful eco-home sparked a bidding frenzy as Kiwi buyers increasingly search for energy-efficient features
24 March 2026
AI summary
Demand for sustainable homes is surging, with an Auckland eco-home by architectural designer Eddie van Uden selling for $1.561 million. Its energy-efficient features, including solar panels and passive design, attracted significant buyer interest.
This trend is reflected in Trade Me search data, which shows huge year-on-year increases for keywords like:
- 'off-grid' (up 68%)
- 'solar' (up 67%)
- 'double glazing' (up 60%)
Buyers from first-homers to downsizers are drawn to the long-term savings and energy security these features provide.
Red bookshelf and fireplace in eco home
A 'green' property in all senses
The architectural designer was careful to reuse as many materials as he could in the renovation to avoid construction waste, reusing the bricks and timber from the original 1940s home in the garden.
Eddie converted the former living room into an attractive, spacious kitchen
The home which had a $1.25 million CV sold at auction for $1.561 million
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