Eco Homes and the Future of CPD in New Zealand

Denese Konowe

Kia ora and welcome back to another episode of Kiwi Real Estate, Inside Out! I’m Denese Konowe, joined by the ever-thoughtful Dr Lee Konowe— and today, Lee, we’re rolling up our sleeves to tackle eco homes and the future of CPD credits in New Zealand real estate. It’s a big topic, but it’s honestly never been more relevant. More Kiwis want sustainable living, and it’s not just vibes anymore—regulations and buyer expectations are hitting new highs for 2025.

Dr Lee Konowe

That’s spot on. I mean, if you’d told me back in, what, the early 2000s in the States that eco homes in New Zealand would go this mainstream this fast, I might’ve chuckled. But—look at us now! These days, a “green” or sustainable home isn’t just “solar on the roof and hope for a sunny day.” We’re talking whole-of-life design. Think: high insulation, double or triple glazing, efficient heating and cooling—heat pumps are basically a given—smart energy monitoring, and water conservation through rainwater harvesting or greywater recycling if your council signs off. So many layers.

Denese Konowe

Exactly. And buyers are starting to expect features that just a few years ago were “nice to have”—FSC certified timber, low-VOC paints for fresh, healthy air, recycled or locally sourced materials for a smaller carbon footprint… That’s only a snapshot, but the NZ Green Building Council’s Homestar rating is our touchstone here. Six stars is becoming baseline—eight, now that gets tongues wagging at open homes.

Dr Lee Konowe

The regulatory landscape has changed, too. The New Zealand Building Code gets regular tweaks, now with even more emphasis on energy efficiency and lower emissions. In 2025, new updates mean even conventional builds are starting to look a lot more like what a few years ago counted as “eco.” And if you’re eyeing that Homestar or Green Star rating, you’re on a path to both quality and compliance.

Denese Konowe

You’re reminding me—Lee, do you remember that first green home showcase we saw in Virginia? I always tell people, it had the wildest features for back then—thermal mass flooring, triple-glazed windows, you name it. Fast forward, and now our Kiwi listings, even the starter homes, are demanding features that would’ve seemed science fiction in the nineties. The evolution’s real—and the curve’s not slowing down. We need this conversation now, more than ever.

Denese Konowe

So if you’re a salesperson or agent listening: you’re gonna want to get your head around the new CPD requirements for eco homes—because you literally can’t afford not to. Continuous professional development already keeps us on our toes, but with all these regulatory shifts in 2025, sustainable property knowledge is front and centre, not some optional extra.

Dr Lee Konowe

Yeah, the REA doesn’t muck about. Beginning next year, the expectation is you’ll have CPD hours specifically covering sustainable housing practices—like, not just a quick lunch-and-learn on double glazing, but properly accredited modules. We’re seeing more recognized providers pop up. Some big names: the NZ Green Building Council—they do a great “Selling Sustainable Homes” course—and BRANZ is rolling out more eco-design workshops, too.

Denese Konowe

Don’t forget the practical stuff, too—our own team at e-Agent NZ has felt this change first-hand. The first time I tried to pull together a CPD session on eco features, it was honestly a bit like teaching cats to swim—nobody had the materials, nobody knew what counted as “proof.” I think, back then, one-fourth of the salespeople didn’t know what Homestar rated. But as we’ve evolved—now it’s embedded, and we’re drawing on legit NZ case studies, proper CPD verification, follow-up. It’s no longer guessing, it’s clear, and getting easier to access every year.

Dr Lee Konowe

And for agents, it’s not just about ticking a compliance box. The market is shifting under our feet—and upskilling in eco home knowledge is real leverage with clients. Being able to confidently recommend, say, why certain insulation details exceed the NZBC or what actually qualifies for a green mortgage—that’s what differentiates a basic agent from someone buyers trust in these new waters.

Dr Lee Konowe

Let’s dig into what’s actually working out there—and what’s not. If you look around New Zealand right now, regions like Wellington have jumped in with both feet on eco homes. There was that auction last year—a new-build Homestar 8 house with passive solar, rainwater harvesting, the works. It smashed the reserve by nearly 12% and sold after just one week on the market. That’s unheard of for a niche build, even five years ago.

Denese Konowe

Yes, and buyers actually showed up ready to pay a premium. The take-home for agents? If you present features like energy savings, better indoor air, and legitimate comfort year-round, plenty of folks are keen—even if it’s 10–15% pricier than neighbouring stock. I just worked with a couple in Christchurch who paid top dollar for a Passive House build; they were honestly more interested in the low energy bills and healthy air than in the flash ensuite! And they’re now raving about their hundred-dollar winter power bills. Word spreads fast.

Dr Lee Konowe

But it’s not always easy, right? We’ve talked to agents who’ve hit brick walls with buyers, especially around higher upfront costs, council signoffs on alternate materials, or even just a lack of awareness about what Homestar means. Successful case studies almost always come down to one thing: whoever’s selling can translate the practical value, not just the “eco” buzzwords.

Denese Konowe

Yeah, that’s critical. Agents seeing success walk buyers through the maths—like, “Invest $50,000 more now, save $2,000 a year on energy, plus your home could sell for 5% more in five years’ time.” But it’s gotta come with real-world honesty: be upfront that the Green Premium exists, but paint the full return-on-investment picture. Incentives help, too—pointing them to green mortgage deals or council rebates. Otherwise, buyers can be gun-shy until they see the tangible benefits.

Dr Lee Konowe

Exactly—and don’t forget health. Good indoor air quality, fewer allergies, low-VOC materials—buyers are chasing those outcomes. That’s why sustainable homes are holding value and selling swiftly. We’re seeing proof across Auckland, Wellington, even out in the regions if agents package the narrative well.

Denese Konowe

So let’s talk about how you actually get the expertise. CPD options now go well beyond the old theory stuff. There are accredited programs laser-focused on sustainable housing—Homestar Accredited Professional, for example, or the Green Star practitioner tracks from NZGBC. These aren’t just tick-the-box either; the idea is to skill up, really understand what makes an eco home both compliant and desirable.

Dr Lee Konowe

And there’s genuine incentive for providers and agencies to partner up with bodies like BRANZ or the Green Building Council. Host a training, get experts in, and suddenly your team’s in the loop about everything from passive design to the nuts and bolts of rainwater harvesting. More practical, less fluff, which is what we need.

Denese Konowe

Absolutely. I think the next step is mixing case study analysis with hands-on workshops—walking through a Homestar build, seeing air-tightness tests, or even Q&A time with buyers who’ve lived in eco homes. It clicks for agents when they can touch, see, and ask “how does this actually change a buyer’s daily life?” Not just theory but that lived experience.

Dr Lee Konowe

Look, compliance isn’t going backwards. Upcoming CPD mandates are only getting stricter, so if you’re running an agency, plugging into these focused trainings—lots of which the REA now formally recognizes—is the safest and smartest way to stay ahead. It’ll keep on getting more hands-on: more site visits, more working knowledge, not just booklets at a desk.

Denese Konowe

To wrap up, let’s talk engagement. Agents, this is where you move the needle. You want buyers who value sustainable living? You’ve gotta pitch the right story. Targeted marketing does wonders—showcase actual utility bill reductions, talk up the low maintenance, the long-term health perks. People love concrete numbers and stories more than generic jargon.

Dr Lee Konowe

Yeah—training agents to communicate that value without making it sound preachy or too technical is vital. Buyers often ask: “Will this pay off?”, “How much does a Homestar rating actually save me?” If you can break down savings—energy, water, even green mortgage perks—or explain why double glazing matters more than it sounds, you build real trust. Side note, I always fumble the stats here—what is it, Denese, 5–10% higher resale value for green homes? Around there, right?

Denese Konowe

You’re right, at least according to Quotable Value in their latest report. But more important is explaining those numbers in plain language. And honestly, running a workshop for buyers—walking them through features, incentives, showing them case studies—can turn “maybe” into “let’s sign.” It’s about giving people the confidence and knowledge to see long-term value in sustainable property.

Dr Lee Konowe

Building trust isn’t rocket science. Show, don’t just tell. Be honest that there’s an upfront cost, but map out the returns—and answer the buyer’s specific lifestyle questions. When buyers feel you “get it,” they become your brand’s best advocates for eco homes.

Denese Konowe

Alright, that’s us for today—thanks, Lee, as always for the insight, and thanks everyone for tuning in. If you’re an agent wanting to stay ahead—or a buyer with eco dreams—there’s a lot more to dig into, and we’ll be back with more of these deep-dives soon. Lee, anything to add before we sign off?

Dr Lee Konowe

Just this: stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask the tricky questions—whether you’re an agent or a buyer. The future really is green, and being in front of it is better than scrambling behind. Catch you next time, Denese.

Denese Konowe

Love it. Thanks everyone—see you on the next episode of Kiwi Real Estate, Inside Out! Ka kite!