How Valuable Will Your Home Be in a Few Years?
Last month, I presented on Homestar at a collaborative event hosted by Kane Build in Auckland. While preparing my presentation, I realised something important—working in the industry as one of many Architect and Architectural Designers in New Zealand gives me a front-row seat to shifts that most homeowners aren’t yet aware of. At Smart Living Spaces, I also keep a close eye on what’s happening overseas, and it’s clear we’re on the cusp of major changes in how we build and value our homes.
Your Home: Asset or Liability?
Whether you're building or buying, your home is likely the biggest financial investment—or liability—you’ll ever make. And since the value of a home is ultimately determined by what someone is willing to pay for it, it’s worth asking: what might impact that value in the next few years?
We often assume our home will increase in value over time. But with a building code that hasn’t seen significant change in over a decade, that assumption may no longer hold true.
What’s Happening Internationally?
Countries across the globe have committed to reducing both operational and embodied carbon as part of their climate change strategies. That might sound technical, but the implications are far-reaching—especially for Architect and Architectural Designers looking to guide clients through smart, forward-thinking home design.
In New Zealand, the Building for Climate Change programme was in progress before the government changed. While it’s since disappeared from public view, it would be naive to think it has disappeared entirely. If we’re serious about meeting our 2030 carbon targets, the building sector must change—and that change will likely come through the building consent process.
This means we can expect:
Energy modelling to measure operational carbon
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to measure embodied carbon
Neither of these is currently a legal requirement under the Building Code—but they will likely become one. Smart Living Spaces is already integrating these strategies to help future-proof homes and support clients who want more than just minimum compliance.
The Early Movers: Scotland, Ireland, and the Banks
Scotland and Ireland have already begun working closely with the Passive House Institute to address carbon emissions. Meanwhile, banks are quietly changing how they assess risk.
BNZ, for example, has had a sustainability policy since 2010. It's why they refused to fund a mining project a few years ago. I recently had a client undergoing a Homestar assessment who was asked by his company’s board whether the carbon footprint of the building had been calculated.
Carbon accountability is shifting—not just as a legal requirement, but as a financial and governance one.
Don’t Assume the Building Code Has You Covered
Some still believe the Building Code is a safety net. "If it’s legal, it must be okay." But that’s not always true.
A recent case saw a tenant take their landlord to court because their rental home was overheating. The house reached 44°C in summer. The court ruled in favour of the tenant, allowing them to break the lease. That landlord is now stuck trying to rent a house most would consider uninhabitable in summer—yet it still met Code.
The truth is: the Code does not protect your asset value. At Smart Living Spaces, I work with clients to look beyond Code—because building to minimums often delivers the minimum in comfort, performance, and long-term value.
Energy Modelling Is the Only Way Forward
The only reliable way to assess and reduce overheating is through energy modelling. Homestar requires this for every rated project, along with strict caps on total energy use and overheating risk.
And from Homestar Level 8 onwards, embodied carbon calculations are mandatory. That means these homes are better prepared for:
Future code changes
Better lending options
Stronger market desirability
For Architect and Architectural Designers, these tools are becoming essential—not optional.
The Market Is Already Moving
ANZ already recognises Homestar ratings for favourable lending. In Australia, lending is now available specifically for Passive House homes. Over there, sustainable homes are reselling for up to 15% more.
It's only a matter of time before this becomes the norm here.
So ask yourself this:
If the house next door is warmer, healthier, and qualifies for a better mortgage rate—
which one would you choose to buy?
If you're planning to build or renovate and want to know how to future-proof the value of your home, Smart Living Spaces can help.
Let’s talk about how Homestar, energy modelling, and smart architectural design can support your goals.
Book a chat today.