The numbers from last year’s census are in, and analysis of individual suburb growth has revealed the biggest population boost in areas across Auckland, Tauranga, and Christchurch.

Rolleston South East saw the biggest boost, with the number of residents nineteen times bigger in 2023 than in 2018. The population of Hobsonville Point Park and Hobsonville Scott Point nearly tripled over the same period, and in Pyes Pa West, it nearly doubled.

Bayleys Insights and Data Analyst Eos Li believes all three areas have benefited from a big increase in land developments in recent years.

“Hobsonville in Auckland, for example, has seen a surge in new townhouses and terraced homes.”

“It's modern infrastructure, coupled with convenient access to shopping centres, and workplaces, is a major drawcard for young professionals across the city.”

So who exactly is snapping up the housing across our fastest-growing suburbs, and what do some of these areas have to offer incoming residents or Kiwis looking to make the move?

ROLLESTON SOUTH EAST, CHRISTCHURCH

Rachel Dovey from Bayleys Canterbury and Wanaka says new housing, and affordable options are what’s drawing buyers to Rolleston Southeast.

There’s plenty of new townhouses, lifestyle properties, and retirement homes to keep up with the demand, many also providing the luxury of a new kitchen or high-end appliances.

“A lot of these homes come with all of the new benefits like heating, ventilation, future-proofed technology, and high-speed internet too.”

“People want newer homes and would rather spend their time enjoying their lifestyle with family, rather than renovating over time-especially with the escalating costs associated with redecorating or extending.”

Dovey says the wide variety of housing means that the people are just as varied too.

“There’s young families, first home buyers, second home buyers, and retirees.”

“The development of Rolleston’s IPORT Business Park has also employed around 1500 people, many of whom like to live close to their workplace.”

The construction of new amenities has been key to the suburb’s growth too, with a new health hub, retail, hospitality and local playgrounds adding life and character to the area.

“There’s also a proposed supercentre with the largest Pak ‘n Save supermarket in the South Island.”

All of it is just a short 25-minute drive away from Christchurch central, and Dovey believes the rapid growth of the suburb will only continue.

“There’s high demand for new properties as well as the resale of existing homes, as some people look to upgrade.”

“There’s also big backing from the mayor who expects Rolleston will be bigger than Dunedin in 10 years' time.”

Check out one of the new up and coming developments in the area Arbor Green.

HOBSONVILLE POINT PARK AND HOBSONVILLE SCOTT POINT, AUCKLAND

General manager of Bayleys West Auckland Brendan Graves says the Hobsonville Point Park and Scott Point suburbs are both “thoughtfully and masterfully planned.”

“They’re also well known as safe communities with aesthetic streetscapes and predominantly new build stock.”

Townhouses, standalone properties, and some apartments are available to cater to those wanting to make the move northwest of the city.

“The buyers and occupants are quite varied but are mostly made up of young families, empty-nesters/downsizers, and first home buyers who are all attracted to the more affordable stock.”

“There are also several retirement facilities attracting retirees with more planned and under construction.”

Graves says it’s not just the pricing drawing people in, but also the wider community and its amenities.

“There’s a coastal walkway, quality schooling, parks and greenspaces. There’s also the Catalina Bay market. Residents are also eagerly awaiting the planned Te Kori sports park in Scott Point.”

“Hobsonville would be one of the most desirable suburbs in West Auckland, and I don’t see this changing.”

He says Point Park is fully developed, but Scott Point still has more supply coming.

Check out one of the new up and coming developments in the area in Limeburners Bay coastal village.

OR explore the heritage of this former Airforce home in Hobsonville.

PYES PA WEST, TAURANGA

Jon O’Connor, general manager of Bayleys Bay of Plenty says there’s a number of reasons that Pyes Pa West is such a popular suburb to live in.

“These include plenty of choice around modern housing, excellent schooling options, new and popular amenities and proximity to main arterial routes with easy access to the CBD and the Mount.”

The suburb has been able to grow extensively, with significant areas of land having been developed over the past 20 years. Most of the homes on offer are stand alone, with good sized living and outdoor spaces and plenty of privacy.

“There’s a great mix of lifestyle properties too. Medium density is appearing in some areas also.”

“Smaller homes and smaller sites mean more affordable options, attracting first home buyers and downsizers.”

O’Connor says the leafy green surroundings are perfect for families or those who enjoy the outdoors, and a raft of local amenities make for convenient living.

“The Pyes Pa and nearby Crossing shopping centres feature all of the big retail brands, and a myriad of food and beverage choices, movies, arcades, and golf simulators.”

“A highly rated golf course, the manmade lakes and walk and cycleways make it a recreational playground.”

O’Connor expects the boom in population growth to keep climbing as more land becomes available, and more people choose to move away from the bigger cities and into the Tauranga area.

Check out this modern four bedroom home now available in Pyes Pa.