Real Estate in New Zealand
Last updated on Jun 13, 2023
Summary: An expat looking to buy a home in New Zealand should start by researching the local real estate market and familiarizing themselves with the different types of properties available. They should also consider their budget and the type of amenities they are looking for in a home. Popular amenities in New Zealand homes include modern kitchens, open-plan living areas, outdoor entertaining areas, and plenty of storage space. Foreigners are allowed to purchase property in New Zealand, however, there are restrictions on the type of property they can buy. Non-residents are only allowed to purchase residential properties that are intended for their own use, such as a holiday home or a rental property. They are not allowed to purchase land or commercial properties.
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.
"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," explained one expat living in Dunedin, Otago - South Island NZ, New Zealand.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in New Zealand?
"We have a 3 bedroom home on about a half acre with mature trees and great views. Most homes have 4 bedrooms, but are smaller and on less land," said one expat who made the move to Dunedin, Otago - South Island NZ.
"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," explained one foreigner living in New Zealand.

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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 in Dunedin, Otago - South Island NZ.
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," said one person 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," wrote one expat who made the move to 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 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," explained one foreigner living 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 foreigner living in New Zealand.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, 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.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- New Zealand Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in New Zealand
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in New Zealand
- Best Places to Live in New Zealand
- Guide to Real Estate in New Zealand
- Pros & Cons of Living in New Zealand
- Cost of Living in New Zealand
- 10 Things to Know Before Moving to New Zealand
- How to Buy a Home in New Zealand
- Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand
- How to Rent a Home in New Zealand
- Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to New Zealand