HOW MUCH SPACE DO YOU REALLY NEED?

Bigger isn’t always better. But go too small and you’ll be tripping over the laundry basket before you’ve even unpacked the moving truck.

So how do you figure out how much space you actually need in your new home?

Start with who's living there

The right size home depends less on the number on the brochures and more on the people (and pets) walking through the front door.

• Couples thinking ahead: Sure, maybe you want kids one day, but think about what’s realistic now and long-term. Weigh up your options, get financial advice, and find the balance between stretching too far and outgrowing your place too soon.

• Families in the thick of it: If the LEGO situation is out of control or you’re sick of sharing a bathroom with teenagers, it might be time to upsize.

• Empty nesters: Why heat three spare rooms no one’s using? Downsizing can mean less cleaning, lower bills, and more lifestyle.

• Adding tenants into the mix: If you’re buying with the plan to rent a room or part of the house, think about what makes it appealing to others - extra bathrooms, private space, or even just solid storage. The right design can mean steady income and happier tenants.

Land size vs house size

Sections are shrinking in some locations in New Zealand - but smart design means you don’t need a lifestyle block to live comfortably.

Compact sites

Perfect for smaller families or couples who’d rather not mow half an acre every weekend. You’ll still get modern layouts, outdoor flow, and - in most new estates - easy access to shared parks, playgrounds and walking tracks that extend your living space beyond your own fence line.

Mid-size sections

Enough room for the kids, the BBQ, and maybe even a trampoline. Add in estate amenities like green belts, bike paths or local cafés, and you don’t need a massive backyard to keep everyone happy.

Large blocks

Great if you want privacy, space for a shed, or that pool you’ve been daydreaming about. But for many, that kind of space is less about need and more about preference (and upkeep).

The trick is remembering that it’s not just about what’s inside your boundary. New communities are designed with shared amenities that take the pressure off your own land size, so a smaller section doesn’t have to feel like a compromise.

Rooms that actually work for you

It’s not about counting bedrooms. It’s about how you use them.

• Open-plan living: Makes smaller homes feel bigger.

• Multi-use spaces: A spare room that doubles as a study or media room.

• Storage: You’ll never regret adding more. (Future you, drowning in Christmas decorations, will thank you)

Common mistakes people make

• Overbuilding: Ending up with rooms you never use - and still paying to heat them

• Underestimating: Going too small and realising you’ve got no room for guests, hobbies, or even your own sanity

• Forgetting lifestyle: Love hosting? You’ll want a bigger kitchen/dining. Hate gardening? Don’t buy more land than you want to maintain.

How Classic Builders help you get it right

We’ll walk you through plans that actually fit how you live - not just how many bedrooms sound good on paper.

✅House plans across a range of sizes and layouts

✅Smart design that makes every metre count

✅Guidance on balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s plans

Not sure how much space is just right

Because the right size home isn’t the biggest - it’s the one that fits your life.

FAQs

What’s the average house size in NZ?

It’s been shrinking! The average new build is now closer to 180–200m² (down from 220m² a decade ago) - proof that smart design beats sheer size.

How small is too small?

That depends on your lifestyle. A two-bedroom townhouse might be perfect for a couple or small family, but not so flash once you’ve got teenagers.

What’s the best land size for a family?

Most families are comfortable on sections between 400–600m² — enough for a backyard without signing yourself up for full-time lawn duty.

How do I know if I’ll outgrow my home?

Think about the next 5–10 years. If you’re planning kids, hobbies that need space (like a home gym), or working from home, factor those in now. But it’s always important to get financial advice and have a property strategy.

Does a bigger house always mean better resale?

Not necessarily. Buyers care about layout, efficiency, and low-maintenance living just as much as size. A well-designed smaller home can be just as appealing as a sprawling one, especially when there are plenty of convenient amenities in the area.