Russell, New Zealand

Real Estate in New Zealand

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Nov 15, 2025

Summary:

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How do I find a place to live in New Zealand?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"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," remarked one member 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 expat living in Warkworth, 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," said one person in Dunedin, Otago - South Island NZ.

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It's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.

CitizenMCitizenM

It's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in New Zealand?

"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," said one person in New Zealand.

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CitizenM

It's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.

Learn More

CitizenM

It's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.

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What is the average cost of housing in New Zealand?

If you are thinking about moving to New Zealand, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"We lived in China before New Zealand, so housing and automobiles are much cheaper, but meat and vegetables are much more expensive," said one expat who made the move to Dunedin, Otago - South Island NZ.

"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 foreigner living in Warkworth, New Zealand.

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Should I buy or rent a home in New Zealand?

If you have not spent a lot of time in New Zealand, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"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," remarked one member in New Zealand.

What do I need to know when buying property in New Zealand?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in New Zealand, they said:

"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," said one person in New Zealand.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in New Zealand?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in New Zealand, they said...

"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," said one expat in New Zealand.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in New Zealand what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"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," said one person in New Zealand.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in New Zealand:

We asked foreigners in New Zealand what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"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," said one in New Zealand.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of InternationalTravel.ai and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and InternationalTravel.ai, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip.
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VRBO Vacation RentalsVRBO Vacation Rentals

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip.
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VRBO Vacation Rentals
VRBO Vacation Rentals

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip.
Learn More

VRBO Vacation RentalsVRBO Vacation Rentals

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip.
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