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Auckland is home to thousands of so-called “ghost houses”, homes left empty for months or even years. These unoccupied properties are raising concern across communities, especially as the city continues to grapple with housing demand and rising costs.
According to the 2023 Census, there are 54,015 unoccupied dwellings across the Auckland region. Of those, 24,228 were recorded as genuinely empty, up from 17,130 in 2018. While some vacancies are temporary, such as houses between tenants or under renovation, long-term empty homes are becoming more visible in neighbourhoods across the city.
Residents say these ghost houses can affect the character and appearance of a street. Overgrown lawns, broken fences and peeling paint quickly turn a tidy neighbourhood into something neglected. In some cases, these properties attract pests, vandalism or squatters, raising concerns about safety and falling property values.
Auckland Council says residents can take action. Compliance manager Adrian Wilson, says the council’s Property Maintenance and Nuisance Bylaw allows people to report neglected or unsafe buildings, whether they are occupied or not. “You can report ghost houses, or any building that is falling into disrepair, to Auckland Council.”
“This bylaw requires owners to prevent pest problems and to secure unoccupied buildings from public access. Once we receive your complaint, we will investigate and usually try to contact the owner to give them a chance to rectify the issue.”
To report a poorly maintained property, contact council on 09 301 0101 or visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Council officers will assess the situation and, if needed, follow up with enforcement.
In some cases, neighbours take a more informal approach, mowing lawns or tidying the exterior to help maintain the street’s appearance. While not a permanent fix, it can reduce the negative impact of a ghost house in the short term.
Some cities, such as Vancouver in Canada, have introduced empty homes taxes to encourage owners to occupy or rent out long-term vacant properties. With Auckland’s housing supply under pressure, there are growing calls for similar tools to be considered here.
