Good insulation is one of the best investments a Dunedin homeowner can make — cutting heating bills, improving comfort, and meeting NZ's Healthy Homes Standards for rental properties. Here's what insulation costs in Dunedin in 2026.
Dunedin Insulation Costs 2026
| Service | Dunedin typical cost (installed) |
|---|---|
| Ceiling insulation (standard 3-bed home) | $1,500–$3,800 |
| Underfloor insulation (standard 3-bed home) | $1,000–$2,600 |
| Wall insulation (retrofit, per m²) | $80–$200/m² |
| Ceiling + underfloor (combined, 3-bed) | $2,500–$6,500 |
| Insulation top-up (existing ceiling) | $800–$2,000 |
| Vapour barrier (underfloor, per m²) | $15–$35/m² |
| Draught stopping (doors, windows) | $300–$900 |
| Insulation assessment / report | $150–$400 |
All prices GST inclusive. Prices before any Warmer Kiwi Homes subsidy.
Dunedin Insulation Market
Dunedin has some of NZ's coldest winters and the highest proportion of cold, draughty older homes. Insulation is one of the most impactful improvements a Dunedin homeowner can make — Warmer Kiwi Homes subsidies are available.
Warmer Kiwi Homes Programme
The NZ Government's Warmer Kiwi Homes programme provides subsidies of 80–90% of ceiling and underfloor insulation costs for eligible homeowners:
Eligibility: Own and live in your home, and receive a qualifying benefit (Community Services Card, NZ Super, Working for Families, etc.) OR live in a lower-income area.
What's covered: Ceiling insulation, underfloor insulation, and sometimes heating (heat pumps, wood burners).
How to apply: Contact an approved insulation provider in Dunedin — they will assess eligibility and manage the application. You don't need to apply to EECA directly.
If you qualify, ceiling + underfloor insulation could cost you as little as $200–$600 out of pocket.
NZ Insulation Standards
Healthy Homes Standards: Rental properties must meet minimum insulation levels (R-value requirements) under the Residential Tenancies Act. Landlords in Dunedin must comply or face fines.
NZ Building Code: New builds must meet Schedule 1 energy efficiency requirements. Insulation must achieve minimum R-values per climate zone.
Otago climate zone: Dunedin is in NZ climate zone 3 — your installer will specify the correct R-value for your zone.
Insulation Types
Pink Batts / glasswool: The standard NZ product. Available in ceiling and underfloor grades. Affordable and effective.
Polyester: Itch-free alternative to glasswool. Slightly higher cost but easier to handle. Good choice where roof access is limited.
Blown-in / loose fill: Used for retrofit ceiling insulation where batt installation is difficult. Blown into the ceiling cavity.
PIR / rigid foam: Used for specific applications — under slabs, in walls. Higher R-value per mm but more expensive.
Find Dunedin insulation installers: Insulation Installers Dunedin | Post a Job Free
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ceiling insulation cost in Dunedin? Full installation in a standard 3-bed home: $1,500–$3,800. With Warmer Kiwi Homes subsidy (if eligible): potentially $200–$600 out of pocket.
Am I eligible for the Warmer Kiwi Homes subsidy in Dunedin? If you own and live in your home and receive a qualifying benefit, you likely qualify. Contact a local approved insulation installer — they'll check your eligibility for free.
What R-value do I need for Dunedin? Ceiling: minimum R3.3 (zone 1) to R6.6 (zone 3). Underfloor: minimum R1.3 (zone 1) to R2.0 (zone 3). Your installer will advise the correct specification.
Related: Heat Pump Installation Cost NZ | Double Glazing Cost NZ | Insulation Installation Cost NZ