A shortage of family homes is predicted for Auckland because "empty nesters" are reluctant to move to smaller houses.
Researchers had assumed that older baby-boomers and those whose children had left home would neither need nor want the traditional family home with three or more bedrooms.
But an Auckland RegionalCouncil study released yesterday shows older couples prefer homes with extra living space. They are staying put in the suburban family home.
More than 50 per cent of older couples are in three-bedroom homes and 25 per cent are in two-bedroom homes.
Older single people had been expected to live in smaller homes closer to the inner city. But the study finds they are most likely to be living in the outer suburbs in homes with two or three bedrooms.
The trend towards homes with at least one or two spare bedrooms affects the availability of dwellings for new families, says ARC strategic analyst David Lindsey.
The study aims to help the council plan for an adequate supply of housing.
Mr Lindsey says housing planners and developers will need to take into account the effects of the changing ageing structure and trends in family formation. Improved health will encourage the elderly to keep the family home for their cottage industries and hobbies.
The study shows a growing number of young couples without children and an increase in the number of parents over 40.
Young couples are also bucking expected trends.
Their numbers have increased in the inner and middle suburbs and they choose three-bedroom homes. More couples are sharing homes with others.
Mr Lindsey says home occupancy rates will probably gradually fall in most areas, except Mangere. The region will need about 201,000 new homes before 2021. the central and southern parts of the region.nte
Most new households will be formed outside present urban areas, and the Auckland CBD, where pressure will increase for higher density living.
