Trade Me tips circular economy worth $5.2 billion

Kaycee Enerva

13th Feb 2026

Millions of unused items are sitting in New Zealand homes, representing an estimated $5.2 billion in potential resale value, according to new research from Trade Me.

The report shows the scale of the country’s growing circular economy, with 75 per cent of people saying they have unwanted goods they could sell.

In total, this equates to around 76 million pre-loved items nationwide: an average of 19 items per person, worth about $1300 each.

Clothing, home and living items, and media such as books, CDs, and DVDs are the most common goods people have to offload. 

Rising living costs are also driving activity in the secondhand market, with 64 per cent of Kiwis saying financial pressure has made them buy or sell pre-loved items more often, up 4 per cent from last year.

While 72 per cent plan to sell at least some of their unwanted items, only 43 per cent have sold anything in the past six months.

Economic pressures are a key motivator, with 76 per cent citing the cost of living as a reason to buy or sell secondhand more frequently. Many are also upcycling or repurposing items to increase resale value.

“For many households, $1300 isn’t a small amount. It could cover rising bills, fund a flight to see family, or kickstart a savings goal,” said Lisa Stewart, head of Trade Me marketplace.

“Kiwis are realising that financial solutions might be sitting in their spare rooms or garages, ready to be sold.”

Secondhand shopping has also become mainstream, with 83 per cent of New Zealanders purchasing a pre-loved item in the past six months.

Women are particularly active, with 20 per cent buying 10 or more items during this period. Sustainability is another key driver, with 52 per cent of Kiwis considering the environmental impact of their purchases. Top searches on Trade Me include clothing brand Kowtow, outdoor furniture, and Lululemon gear.

“From tech to seasonal items, Kiwis are checking the secondhand market first to find value,” Stewart added.

Trade Me’s research team conducted the survey during October- November last year and collected answers from 4000 individual New Zealand-based respondents.