Makarewa is a suburb which lies within the Territorial Authority of Southland, one of 43 residential suburbs which form the wider region. Makarewa is the 17th largest suburb of Southland in terms of the total number of residential housing stock. Makarewa provides a range of housing stock, with the earliest residential housing recorded in the area constructed between 1910 - 1919. The majority of the residential housing stock in the locality was constructed between 1970 - 1979. Residential housing stock in Makarewa is made up of approximately 5% residential housing and 95% lifestyle properties.