It’s quite easy to find a home in New Zealand as it is well-regulated. This means that you have an option in terms of contracts. Buying a house is also a very easy process that could take only a few weeks. The average rent in New Zealand is calculated weekly. For a small 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom home, be prepared to spend 400 NZD (249 USD), which goes up to 530 NZD (330 USD) for a 4-bedroom home. It is also dependent on your city, with Auckland being the most expensive in terms of rent. There are typically two types of rental contracts in the land of the Kiwis: – Fixed-term tenancy with a fixed start and end date – Periodic tenancy wherein the tenant should give a 21-day notice to end the agreement while the landlord should give a 90-day notice to end the agreement You may also hear the term “Flatting,” which means you will be sharing an apartment with other people. It is typical to be asked for up to 4-weeks rent in advance New Zealand. If there has been no damage to the property, you can expect this to be returned to you at the end of your contract. Do also expect that you will be paying for your rent weekly in advance. Because rental prices are regulated in New Zealand, there are certain requirements that you have to present. Among them are: – Proof of Identity – Income Source – Proof of good character coming from people who are not related to you – Filled up pre-tenancy application form – Filled up bond lodgment form – Letter from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), confirming your bond The tenant is also required to pay the utility bills such as water, gas, electricity and the internet. Insurance though is split between the tenant and the landlords. If you are looking into buying a home, here’s a list of prices in different regions:

Homes in New Zealand are typically unfurnished. The more rooms your rental has, the higher the likelihood that it is unfurnished. Here’s a summary of weekly rental rates for both unfurnished and furnished rental options:

Source: Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ), Global Property Guide Most home buyers find real estate agents in New Zealand, but direct selling to homeowners is also an option. Getting a lawyer to help you with the process is ideal whichever purchase route you choose. If you want to come in strong with an offer on a house, your best chance is if you already have a pre-approved home loan, which like any other loan will depend on your financial capacity. Buying property in New Zealand as a foreigner is slightly more difficult than if you were a citizen. This is because of the government’s rule to curb steep house prices. These are the general requirements for a bank home loan: – a copy of the signed sale and purchase agreement – your chosen property evaluation from an accredited inspector in case of a private sale – a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) report (local government’s information about the property) – evidence of your credit history in your home country – property insurance before you move in