The areas that saw the biggest increases from 2020 included Opotiki, Horowhenua and Masterton, rising by in excess of 80 per cent.
“Having a look at the average renovation spend per home, Auckland residents are spending the most with many capitalising on the sharp rise in house values,” Ms Conisbee said.
“The average renovation approved was $126,000.
“Coming in second was Queenstown-Lakes District at $116,000, with Wellington third at $106,000.”
While New Zealand residents spent a lot of time and money renovating their homes in 2021, Ms Conisbee said the activity was unlikely to continue at the same rate.
“With interest rate increases has come a slow down in lending – this is moderating house price growth and will also moderate spending on improving our homes,” she said.
“Building costs are also increasing rapidly, pushed up by stuck supply chains and difficulties in finding labour.
“Finally, we are likely to see savings rates reduce this year as we start to travel again and spend our money going out instead of on our homes.
“The great renovation boom may mean our bathrooms will never look as good as they do now, but hopefully the end of lockdowns and our ability to travel again will mean that it will matter less.”
