LIVING IN NEW ZEALAND

HOUSING

Housing in New Zealand is relatively affordable and, with one of the lowest average property prices in the world, it is not surprising that two-thirds of New Zealanders own their own homes.

There is a range of different housing available for varying prices, from inner city apartments and homes to townhouses with a view. Suburban homes, which make up a significant proportion of New Zealand housing, offer a spacious and affordable option for families. Lifestyle blocks are also becoming increasing popular for those who want to enjoy a rural environment without being too far from a town or city.

Auckland and Wellington tend to be popular locations for new migrants. However, regional areas and smaller towns such as Christchurch (in Canterbury), Tauranga (in the Bay of Plenty), Hamilton (in Waikato), and Dunedin (in Otago) are other large towns and cities that are becoming increasingly popular.

Many new migrants choose to rent a property while they look for work and establish themselves in a new town. For shorter stays, a range of accommodation is available to suit all budgets.

As a rough guide, the average weekly cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment in different cities in New Zealand are:

• Auckland: $320 - $510
• Wellington: $300 - $530
• Christchurch: $250 - $400
• Dunedin: $250 - $350

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