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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 prioritise convenience and budget certainty. A Trade Me survey shows 49% of buyers want a new or updated home, while only 6% are looking for a fixer-upper.

This trend has created a 'quality gap', with 51% of buyers struggling to find suitable properties. Since most homeowners aren't renovating to sell, vendors with modernised homes have a significant competitive advantage in the current market.