Compared to what you’ve paid for your current home, you’ll probably find your money will go a very long way in the New Zealand housing market. Even though New Zealand has seen a property boom in recent years, around two thirds of people choose to own a home in New Zealand and it is still affordable for most.

Traditionally, New Zealand homes have been constructed out of timber. And, because space was not an issue in the past, they were normally built as single level residences with a good sized backyard. Nowadays, two and three storey townhouses have started replacing older homes. In the cities, high-rise apartments are increasingly popular.

One thing you’ll notice about New Zealand homes, especially if you come from a cold-winter country, is that while houses here are insulated, the vast majority have been constructed without central heating or double-glazed windows. Gas or electric heaters, open fires or wood burners are the main sources of heating in New Zealand homes.

For further reading check out www.wheretoliveinauckland.co.nz which publishes a guide book with insight into each of New Zealand's neighbourhoods including school zoning information.

Renting

Rental properties in New Zealand are often owned and managed by individual owners, even an apartment in a high-rise building. When looking for a property to rent, you will usually deal directly with the owner/landlord, rather than a property manager.

Properties and apartments to let are advertised in local newspapers and property websites such as:

www.realestate.co.nz

www.nz.open2view.com

www.bayleys.co.nz

www.barfoot.co.nz

www.crockers.co.nz

www.raywhite.co.nz

www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-me-property/index.htm

House and Rental Prices 

Sources

1: Statistics New Zealand, Census 2006
2: www.reinz.co.nz May 2009
3: Department of Building and Housing  Dec 2008 - May 2009
    (4 Bedroom House - across suburbs)