Living in New Zealand

You can find property for rent through rental agencies, estate agencies, which sometimes handle rentals, and in the small ads in local newspapers. If you see anything advertised in a newspaper you should arrange to view it straight away, as the best properties are snapped up quickly.

•  The vast majority of homes are on one level, and semi-detached houses are uncommon. Building materials are different, and central heating is very, very rare.
•  You should never rent anything without viewing it first!
•  New Zealand landlords and agents are notoriously inventive in their descriptions and they can make the shabbiest ‘villa’ sound like a palace.
•  If you use an agency or estate agent to find a rental property, they usually charge at least one week’s rent as commission.
•  It’s possible to arrange to rent a house or flat before you arrive in New Zealand, and several immigration consultants (and even some travel agencies) can arrange rentals for you.