Real Estate in New Zealand

"We chose to rent a furnished house in a beach-side community (aren't most of them anyway?). We drove around New Zealand for seven weeks and found a spot we liked. We bought a local newspaper and looked at about 10 houses from the rental ads and chose one in Snells Beach. That is 10 kms from Warkworth, which in turn is about one hour north of Auckland," explained one person living in Warkworth, New Zealand.

"One way to find a place to live in New Zealand is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Trade Me, NZ Flatmates, and Rent.co.nz are popular resources for finding rental properties. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents in the area you are interested in to inquire about available properties. You can also look for rental listings in local newspapers and on bulletin boards in supermarkets and other public places. Finally, you can ask friends and family who live in New Zealand if they know of any available properties," said one expat in New Zealand.

"Found a great real estate lady who listened and then worked really hard to find our home! Chose our home for the views, close to town and is on the peninsula," remarked one member in Dunedin, Otago - South Island NZ.

"Expat homes and apartments in New Zealand tend to be modern and comfortable, with plenty of natural light and open spaces. Many expats choose to live in larger cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, where they can find a variety of housing options, from high-rise apartments to suburban homes. Expat homes and apartments often come with amenities such as a balcony, a garden, and a garage. Expats can also find furnished apartments, which come with all the necessary furniture and appliances," remarked one foreigner who made the move to New Zealand.

"The housing costs are hard to guage against what we were use to in the USA...or elswhere. Kiwi houses are not as well insulated, nor heated as in the USA. Construction standards/techniques are different but the more modern house (less than 15 years old) are as good as anywhere in the world. We live in an exceptionally beautiful area and there is no way we could ever afford to buy a similar house in say California at 5 times the price. An average, well constructed, 3-4 bedroom house in our community costs about US$125,00," explained one expat living in Warkworth, New Zealand.

"Whether to buy or rent a home in New Zealand depends on a variety of factors. Buying a home can provide stability and long-term security, while renting can provide more flexibility and freedom. It is important to consider your financial situation, lifestyle, and long-term goals when making this decision. Additionally, it is important to research the local housing market and understand the costs associated with buying or renting a home in New Zealand. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in New Zealand should be based on what best suits your individual needs," said one expat who made the move to New Zealand.

"When buying property in New Zealand, it is important to research the local market and understand the current trends. It is also important to get a professional property valuation to ensure you are paying a fair price. You should also consider the location of the property and the potential for capital growth. It is also important to understand the legal process of buying property in New Zealand, including the steps involved in the purchase and the associated costs. It is also important to understand the different types of property available, such as residential, commercial, and industrial. Finally, it is important to understand the tax implications of buying property in New Zealand, including any potential capital gains tax," wrote one expat who made the move to New Zealand.

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in New Zealand. Non-residents and non-citizens can purchase residential and commercial property in New Zealand, however, they must obtain approval from the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) before they can purchase any property. The OIO will assess the application to ensure that the purchase is in the best interests of New Zealand and meets the criteria set out in the Overseas Investment Act 2005," explained one person living in New Zealand.

"In New Zealand, rental properties typically include a refrigerator, oven, stove, and washing machine. Other common appliances that may be included are a dishwasher, microwave, and dryer. Depending on the property, additional appliances such as a vacuum cleaner, toaster, and kettle may also be provided," explained one expat in New Zealand.

"Expats can search for homes in New Zealand by using online real estate websites, such as Trade Me Property, Realestate.co.nz, and Barfoot & Thompson. Additionally, expats can contact local real estate agents who specialize in helping expats find homes in New Zealand. Expats can also search for rental properties on websites such as Airbnb and Bookabach. Finally, expats can join online expat communities and ask for advice and recommendations from other expats who have already settled in New Zealand," explained one person living in New Zealand.