Accommodation in New Zealand

On your search for accommodation in New Zealand, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs. From ranch-style family homes in the suburbs to bachelor apartments in the city centres, the type of accommodation you choose depends on location, budget, and preference. While the cost of rent varies greatly by city and area, accommodation in New Zealand does tend to be fairly pricey, so it’s important to budget carefully.

Types of accommodation in New Zealand

Accommodation in New Zealand ranges from freestanding and duplex houses to apartments and home units. There is also a wide range of architectural styles available, with everything from ultra-modern apartments to older houses in the style of traditional English country homes.

The term 'unit' is generally used to describe any single dwelling in New Zealand, while the term 'home unit' is for a grouping of dwellings. These are either attached, detached, or semi-detached, and sometimes share communal areas like gardens, garages, or courtyards.

Furnished and unfurnished

House rentals in New Zealand are rarely furnished, and the more bedrooms a property has, the less likely it is that it will be furnished. Expect to pay more for well-appointed accommodation, both in rent, and deposits.

Short lets

Short-term rentals are a popular housing option for expats in New Zealand who need temporary accommodation. These rentals typically last from a few days to several months and are fully furnished and serviced, making them convenient as a temporary base while you explore the area and look for something more permanent. Short lets can be found through online platforms such as Airbnb or via real estate agencies.

Useful links

• Airbnb

Finding accommodation in New Zealand

Much of your search for accommodation in New Zealand will be conducted online, and there are many excellent property portals available for this. Popular property websites include Trade Me Property, Real Estate NZ and Harcourts.

Finding a property to rent in New Zealand is usually not too difficult. That said, if you’re pressed for time, consider using the services of a real estate agent. These professionals have a knowledge of the property market in their respective areas and are in a good position to help new arrivals find exactly what they're looking for. It is worth noting that the fees charged by a real estate agent are paid by the landlord and not the tenant.

Relocation companies also frequently offer home-search services, vetting available accommodation and arranging viewings, making them an appealing prospect for those looking for an all-in-one moving solution.

The demand for good rental properties in New Zealand is high, so it's important to make contact early.

Useful links

• Trade Me
• realestate.co.nz
• Harcourts

Renting accommodation in New Zealand

Renting a property in New Zealand is usually straightforward, whether for a short or long-term stay. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is responsible for housing legislation and official processes and provides standard contracts that outline the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Additional services, including dispute resolution and deposit management, are also offered.

Leases

Lease contracts in New Zealand are called Residential Tenancy Agreements (RTAs).

Expats signing an RTA have two options:

• A periodic tenancy, which lasts until either the landlord or the tenant gives notice.
• A fixed-term tenancy, which lasts for a set amount of time, typically 12 months. Both parties should have a copy of the signed agreement.

Costs and fees

Rent in New Zealand is normally calculated weekly – remember to keep this in mind when considering the value of the rent advertised. Initial fees are made up of the deposit and rent advance; thereafter, costs are limited to rent and utilities. 

Deposits

Expats will also need to pay a deposit, or 'bond', of up to four weeks' rent in advance. The landlord will then deposit this online via the appropriate MBIE’s website. To get your bond refunded at the end of your lease, you’ll need to submit a bond refund form to Tenancy Services. If there’s any outstanding rent or damage to the property, the costs will be deducted from the deposit before it is returned. If you’re moving into a different rental property, you can apply to have the bond paid directly to the new landlord.

Termination of the lease

To terminate a rental lease in New Zealand, expats must provide written notice to their landlord or property manager. The amount of notice required depends on the type of tenancy agreement and the reason for termination.

In general, expats should give at least 21 days' notice, but it's important to check the terms of the lease agreement, as specific requirements are typically negotiated between the landlord and the tenant. If this is not the case, the fixed-term tenancy automatically becomes a periodic tenancy.

Useful links

• tenancy.govt.nz

Utilities in New Zealand

When talking about real estate in New Zealand, the word 'outgoings' is often used to refer to all the costs incurred by the property. As a tenant in New Zealand, you’re usually responsible for any outgoings that are a result of you living on the property, mainly utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and waste removal, while the landlord pays rates and taxes. Costs can vary depending on the area and type of accommodation you live in.

Electricity and gas

Electricity, gas, and sometimes, internet, are often provided by the same company in New Zealand. The main providers are the government-backed Genesis Energy, Mercury Energy, and Meridian Energy, and the private sector company Contact Energy.

Most providers offer different plans and pricing options, so it's worth shopping around to find the best deal. Remember that New Zealand uses a different electrical outlet type (Type I) than many other countries, so you may need to purchase adaptors for your electronics.

Water

Water is supplied by local councils, and bills are sent out quarterly. The main providers are Watercare in Auckland, Wellington Water in Wellington, and Christchurch City Council in Christchurch. In some areas, water may be metered and charged based on usage, while in others it may be included in the rent.

Bins and recycling

Waste removal is also the responsibility of tenants in New Zealand, and this usually involves putting bins out on the street for collection on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Most councils provide separate bins for general waste and recycling, and some also offer green waste bins for garden waste. It's important to follow local council guidelines for waste disposal to avoid any fines.

Telephone and internet

Internet and phone services in New Zealand are provided by a range of companies, including the above-mentioned energy companies, Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees. Speeds are good, but coverage can be spotty in rural areas.

Keeping in Touch in New Zealand

Useful links

• Genesis Energy
• Mercury Energy
• Contact Energy
• Meridian Energy
• Spark
• One NZ
• 2degrees

Buying property in New Zealand

Only New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who have lived in the country for more than a year can buy property. Some exceptions are made for Singaporean and Australian citizens, while permanent residents who haven’t yet reached the 12-month mark can apply for approval.

It's a good idea to rent at first while you explore the property market. Once you decide that you’re ready to buy property in New Zealand, the process will typically only take a short time to complete.

The cost of buying a home in large cities, such as Auckland and Wellington, is significantly higher than it is elsewhere in the country. Property owners in New Zealand are also charged property rates by the local council. These can be hefty, depending on the area, and are worth looking into before committing to a property.

Useful links

• settled.govt.nz
• homes.co.nz
• linz.govt.nz