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Is this the death of the ‘doer-upper’? Why buyers are ditching the DIY dream

With the increasing cost of living and rising building costs, more Kiwi are putting down the tools.

By Casey Wylde (Spokesperson and Industry Success Manager)

Last updated: 29 January 2026 | 3 min read

AI summary

The Kiwi dream of a doer-upper is fading as buyers favour turnkey convenience. A Trade Me survey shows 49% of buyers want a new or updated home, while only 6% seek a fixer-upper, driven by a need for budget certainty.

This creates a 'quality gap', as few homeowners are renovating to sell. Sellers with modernised properties therefore have a significant competitive advantage. The summer slump is also a myth, with property views peaking in January.