Winter changes the way we shop for homes. While outdoor entertaining areas tend to steal the spotlight in summer, colder weather shifts buyers' attention to the features that make a property warm, comfortable and economical to live in, especially with power prices in NZ having risen an additional 8% compared with 2025.

See also: Are you selling your home in winter? See five tips on how to get the best result when selling in winter.

Today's buyers are increasingly looking beyond the cosmetic appeal of a home. With the rising cost of electricity continuing to put pressure on many households, features that improve warmth and efficiency have become valuable selling points.

If you're searching for your next home this winter, here are three features worth looking for, and a handy trick for using the Raine & Horne website to track down these desirable houses faster.

1. Fireplaces and wood burners

Few things create a sense of home quite like a crackling fire on a cold winter evening. While a fireplace provides excellent heating, its appeal goes beyond practicality.

Psychologists have long recognised that humans are naturally drawn to fire. The gentle movement of flames can encourage relaxation, create a sense of safety and bring people together. It's one of the reasons fireplaces often become the heart of the home during winter, providing a place for family and friends to gather at the end of the day.

Whether it's a traditional wood burner, a modern gas fireplace or a stylish feature fire, many buyers continue to see it as both a lifestyle feature and a practical source of warmth.

Find the right home faster with smart filters

Looking for a home with a fireplace? Simply type "fireplace", "wood burner" or "log fire" into the search box after clicking the More Filters button on the Raine & Horne website.

The search results will display properties where those features are mentioned in the listing description, helping you narrow your search in seconds.

2. Heat pumps, double glazing and efficient heating

A warm home isn't just more comfortable; it's often cheaper to run.

Modern heat pumps, quality insulation and double glazing work together to keep homes warmer during winter and cooler during summer, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Did you know that windows are where you lose up to 40% of your home's heat?

That's why double glazing is a feature that is almost non-negotiable for many buyers. By reducing heat loss, limiting condensation and helping maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, it can improve both comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.

If you're comparing window types, modern uPVC frames generally provide better thermal performance than standard aluminium frames, although thermally broken aluminium is also an excellent option. Both are a significant improvement over older single-glazed windows.

3. Sunny, north-facing living spaces

One feature that costs nothing to run is the sun.

Homes designed to capture natural sunlight can feel noticeably warmer during winter, thanks to passive solar heating.

Passive solar heating has been used in home design for decades because it captures free warmth from the sun without increasing your power bill.

North-facing living areas with large windows receive the greatest amount of winter sunshine, helping naturally warm the home during the day and reducing reliance on artificial heating.

Natural light also has other benefits. Bright living spaces often feel larger, more welcoming and more uplifting, making them particularly appealing during the shorter days of winter.

As you browse listings, look for descriptions that mention "north-facing", "all-day sun", "sunny living" or "sun-drenched" to find homes that make the most of New Zealand's natural light.

Should you update your home with new winter features?

If you're planning to sell in the next few years, investing in winter-friendly features can be worthwhile, but it's important to be strategic.

Buyers are increasingly looking for homes that are warm, dry and energy-efficient, so practical upgrades such as adding insulation, installing a heat pump or retrofitting double glazing can make your property more appealing. While you may not recover every dollar you spend, these improvements can help your home stand out in a competitive market and give buyers greater confidence in its long-term comfort and running costs.

Even if you're not planning to sell immediately, you'll enjoy the benefits every day through a warmer, healthier and more comfortable home.

Not every upgrade needs to be a major renovation. Simple improvements such as draught-proofing doors and windows, adding thermal curtains, servicing an existing fireplace or heat pump, or ensuring your home receives as much natural light as possible can all enhance a property's winter appeal.

Every neighbourhood is different. Before committing to a major renovation, speak with your local Raine & Horne salesperson. They'll understand what buyers in your area are looking for and can help you prioritise improvements that are most likely to add value.