New Zealanders have been increasingly searching for energy efficient homes as global oil shocks drive concerns about rising costs.

New data from Trade Me Property showed a sharp rise in interest in sustainable housing, with searches for off grid properties climbing 68 percent year on year over the past month.

Close to 6,000 keyword searches for off grid homes were recorded between 22 February and 22 March.

Trade Me Property Customer Director Gavin Lloyd said the trend reflected growing anxiety among Kiwis about fuel prices and energy costs.

“When it comes to a home, Kiwi are increasingly interested in a property that can serve as an energy bank, insulating the household from global oil shocks and rising utility bills.”

Searches for energy saving features have also surged, with solar up 67 percent and double glazing rising 60 percent compared to the same period last year.

Lloyd said the shift in behaviour was not temporary, but recent global instability had accelerated demand.

“Kiwi are effectively looking to ‘short’ the energy crisis through property choices. While we have seen steady growth in both ‘off grid’ and ‘solar’ keyword searches since mid 2025, both hit multi month highs in February and March of this year, coinciding with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

“Whether it’s a family looking for an EV ready garage or a retiree going fully self sufficient, the Kiwi property dream appears to be being redefined by energy security.”

The data suggested traditional priorities such as street appeal were being overtaken by practical concerns about long term energy resilience and affordability.