Lifestyle buyers are seeking balance — space, privacy, and connection. They want modern homes on manageable land, good internet for remote work, sustainable living options, and proximity to city conveniences. In short: country life without compromise.
See what lifestyle buyers prioritise in Clevedon and Whitford.
Table of Contents
- What defines a “lifestyle property” buyer today?
- Which lifestyle features are most in demand?
- How important are connectivity and remote work options?
- Why are sustainability and low-maintenance design becoming key?
- How much land do most lifestyle buyers actually want?
- What emotional factors drive lifestyle property purchases?
- How can sellers align their property with buyer demand?
- FAQs
What defines a “lifestyle property” buyer today?
Lifestyle buyers aren’t just purchasing land — they’re buying a way of life.
In regions like Clevedon, Brookby, and Whitford, these buyers typically fall into three broad groups:
| Buyer Type | Profile | Motivation |
| Family upgraders | Moving from suburban Manurewa, Flat Bush, or Botany. | Want safe space for kids, pets, and gardens. |
| Professionals working hybrid/remote | Often in tech, design, or management roles. | Need home offices and fibre connectivity. |
| Retiring downsizers from rural blocks | Selling larger farms for smaller lifestyle lots. | Want comfort, privacy, and less upkeep. |
Each buyer seeks the same outcome: a home that provides peace, autonomy, and connection to nature, without sacrificing convenience.
Which lifestyle features are most in demand?
According to OneRoof Buyer Trends and Ray White’s Lifestyle Report, the most requested features include:
- Modern kitchen and open-plan living with indoor-outdoor flow.
- Double or triple garaging plus secure storage for boats, caravans, or farm gear.
- Level paddocks or lawns suitable for hobby animals.
- Self-contained guest wing or office space for multigenerational living.
- High-speed broadband and mobile reception (non-negotiable).
- North-facing orientation for natural light and energy efficiency.
Homes offering these attributes attract 10–20 percent more buyer enquiry, based on Ray White Manurewa campaign data across Brookby and Clevedon.
Explore How to Prepare Your Lifestyle Property for a Successful Sale for practical upgrade ideas before listing.
How important are connectivity and remote work options?
Extremely. The pandemic reshaped what “home” means.
Roughly 40 percent of lifestyle buyers now work partly or fully from home (Stats NZ Remote Work Survey).
Top priorities include:
- Reliable fibre or Starlink connectivity
- Dedicated home offices with soundproofing or garden studios
- Strong cell coverage for video meetings
Brookby and Whitford have benefited from recent broadband rollouts, making them attractive to professionals leaving the inner suburbs.
This shift has increased demand for smaller, high-function lifestyle lots — not necessarily large farms, but smart-connected retreats.
Why are sustainability and low-maintenance design becoming key?
Modern lifestyle buyers value independence but not endless maintenance.
Features like solar panels, water tanks, and efficient insulation are high on wish-lists.
“Buyers want to live lightly — they’re not chasing 10-acre farms anymore,”
says Jay Singh, Lifestyle Property Expert at Ray White Manurewa.
“Smarter systems, easy gardens, and sustainable energy use appeal far more than size for size’s sake.”
Properties that highlight Healthy Homes compliance, eco-friendly landscaping, and low-carbon materials often command stronger offers.
See Understanding Land Zoning: What Rural Property Buyers Need to Know for context on development and sustainability rules.
How much land do most lifestyle buyers actually want?
Bigger isn’t always better.
The sweet spot today is typically 1–2 hectares, providing privacy without heavy upkeep.
| Land Size | Buyer Segment | Typical Price Range |
| 0.5–1 ha | Families, remote professionals | $1.3 – $2.0 M range |
| 1–3 ha | Equestrian, hobby farmers | $1.6 – $3.0 M range |
| 5 ha + | Legacy or luxury estates | $3.0 – $5.0 M + |
(Source: OneRoof and Ray White Lifestyle Market Insights)
This shift reflects a desire for manageable acreage — enough to enjoy privacy and gardens, not to run full farms.
What emotional factors drive lifestyle property purchases?
While data matters, lifestyle buying is emotional.
From Clevedon’s rolling paddocks to Brookby’s quiet valleys, buyers imagine:
- Children running freely outdoors
- Space for hobbies, workshops, and animals
- Entertaining under wide skies
- Escaping urban stress
This emotional vision shapes buyer decisions more than pure logic.
Marketing that tells a lifestyle story — through video, aerial imagery, and community context — can significantly increase engagement.
Jay Singh’s campaigns consistently use storytelling and visual media to connect emotionally with buyers.
For examples of lifestyle storytelling, read From Listing to Settlement: How We Achieved a Record Sale in Clevedon.
How can sellers align their property with buyer demand?
1. Highlight usability, not just land size
Emphasise flat areas, usable paddocks, and outdoor living zones over sheer acreage.
2. Upgrade connectivity
Investing in fibre or reliable satellite internet can instantly widen your buyer pool.
3. Stage for lifestyle
Showcase spaces like home offices, alfresco dining, or vegetable gardens that photograph well and align with current lifestyle aspirations.
4. Choose the right sale method
When buyer demand is high, auctions often yield faster, stronger results — see Auction vs Private Sale: What’s Best for Lifestyle Property Sellers?.
5. Tell the story
Jay Singh and Jay & Co create campaigns that go beyond property features, positioning your home within the emotional framework buyers are chasing — peace, connection, and future-proof living.
Book a consultation with Jay Singh to match your property to today’s buyer expectations.
Contact Jay or call 021 135 6726.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between a lifestyle block and a rural property?
Lifestyle blocks are smaller (usually under 5 hectares) and designed for comfortable living, not commercial farming.
2. Are lifestyle properties a good investment?
Yes — limited land supply near Auckland keeps demand steady, especially for well-connected, easy-care properties.
3. Do buyers prefer renovated or original homes?
Renovated homes with modern kitchens, bathrooms, and insulation usually sell faster and closer to asking price.
4. How long do lifestyle properties take to sell?
Typically 30–60 days, depending on presentation and pricing.
5. Which suburbs are most popular for lifestyle buyers near Auckland?
Clevedon, Whitford, Brookby, and Hunua remain top choices for balance of access, scenery, and community.
Conclusion
- Buyers seek manageable space, privacy, and modern comfort.
- Strong internet, sustainability, and low-maintenance design are now essentials.
- Emotional appeal — peace, connection, nature — drives decisions.
- Sellers who align with these preferences achieve faster, higher-value results.
- Next step: Book a consultation with Jay Singh to position your lifestyle property for today’s market.
