Buying guide

Is this the cheapest way to build a house in NZ?

Introducing the Living House

Ben Tutty
Last updated: 3 November 2025 | 4 min read
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AI summary

The Living House by RTA Studio is an architect-designed solution for building affordable, high-quality homes in New Zealand. The 3-bedroom, 85sqm home has an estimated build cost of $335,000 and can be constructed in just six weeks using sustainable cross-laminated timber panels.

The package includes plans with MultiProof approval for faster council consent. Key benefits are its near-zero waste construction and climate-positive design, making it ideal for first home buyers, downsizers, and community housing providers.

What’s wrong with regular old building?

Inside view of the Living House lounge.

What is the Living House?

(Compute generated image)

The Living House bathroom.

Why is this better than a traditional build?

Living House kitchen and lounge

Healthy, liveable home designs

Author

Ben Tutty Ben Tutty
Content Writer