The dream of living completely off the grid appears to be surging again, with nationwide searches for off-grid properties jumping 68 per cent year-on-year according to new data.
Whilst on Barrier total self-sufficiency is a way of life, new Trade Me Property numbers show close to 6,000 specific keyword searches for off-grid homes in just thirty days.
Trade Me Property Customer Director Gavin Lloyd says perhaps unlike Covid, the shift this time might be structural, not temporary.
“Kiwis are effectively looking to ‘short’ the energy crisis through property choices.” Lloyd says
“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.”
Since the Iran war began on February 28, global oil markets have surged, with Brent crude up more than 50 per cent in a month.
The response has been just as sharp, with Electric vehicle registrations having exploded, more than doubling year-on-year. Dealers report cars being sold before they even land.
At the same time, rooftop solar and battery systems are seeing renewed demand.
Ray White agent Shaun Vaughan says everyone from first home buyers, to young families and downsizers are all drawn to the eco features and the lifestyle that solar can offer them.
“Those solar aspects don’t appeal to one type of buyer, everyone is looking for those things,” he said.
It appears buyers might also be willing to pay an increasing price for the predictability of self-sufficiency.
In 2025, Barrier rateable values have surged faster than anywhere else in the Auckland region.
