Many New Zealanders still pine for a home with a backyard despite the densification and rise of apartment living in some of our major cities, a Westpac commissioned survey suggests.

The Nexus Planning & Research survey of 1,008 people aged 18 and over shows 49% consider a backyard essential when buying a home, and another 42% think one would be nice to have.

“It’s interesting to see that people consider having a backyard much more important than living close to work, public transport, parks or schools,” says Westpac's Robert Hill.

“Owning a home with a nice backyard has traditionally been central to the Kiwi dream, and the recent rise in house prices and increase in apartments doesn’t seem to have dented that.”

Not surprisingly those living in cities are more prepared to give up a backyard than those in smaller centres, according to the survey. Of survey respondents 39% of Aucklanders and 43% of Wellingtonians view a backyard as essential, compared to 64% in the regional South Island and 57% in the regional North Island.

“City dwellers appear more willing to sacrifice a backyard to live in the big smoke and it will be interesting to see if that trend continues as more apartments and townhouses come on to the market,” says Hill.

Among first home buyers 55% of respondents consider a backyard essential, ahead of 31% who think a modern kitchen is essential and 28% who think a modern bathroom essential.

“Clearly people looking to get on the property ladder are taking the attitude that you can always improve and expand your home, but you can’t expand your section,” Hill says.

Most survey respondents also prioritise safety and security over luxury home features. And, not surprisingly, 85% say a warm, dry home is essential, while 70% would choose an area with a low crime rate.

Meanwhile, 65% of survey respondents think a lock-up garage is essential to a property, 56% say privacy from their neighbours is essential with another 42% believing it would be nice to have.

When choosing the area where you purchase you next home for you to live in, which aspects are essential, nice to have or nor important to you?

Essential Nice to have Not important Safety (low crime rate) 70% 29% 2% Safe from environmental risks 63% 33% 4% Safe from climate change risks 61% 31% 8% Quiet 57% 40% 3% Access to public transport 28% 46% 26% Close to schools and/or childcare 22% 27% 51% Close to parks/recreational facilities 21% 63% 16% Proximity to work 18% 49% 33% Social hub (eateries and bars) 11% 53% 36%

Are each of the following features essential, nice to have or not important to you?

Essential Nice to have Not important Warm and dry 84% 15% 1% Within budget 83% 16% 2% Backyard 49% 42% 9% Modern bathroom 47% 48% 4% Modern kitchen 46% 48% 6% Good investment potential 40% 45% 15% Move in ready (no renovation required) 37% 51% 11%

Which of the following features are essential, nice to have or not that important to you?

Essential Nice to have Not important Lock-up garage 65% 31% 4% Storage areas 60% 38% 2% Off-street parking 57% 36% 7% Privacy from neighbours 56% 42% 2% En-suite to the master bedroom 37% 50% 13% Outdoor entertaining area 36% 54% 9% Single level 34% 37% 29% Study 19% 55% 26% Environmentally friendly 18% 67% 15% Swimming pool 6% 24% 71%

Westpac commissioned Nexus Planning & Research to conduct the survey. Some 1,008 people aged 18 and over who identified as home owners, property investors, or people planning to buy their first home in the next two years were surveyed in March and April this year. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.