How to find your new home
Whether you’re renting or buying, Auckland has houses to suit any lifestyle, from inner-city apartments and townhouses
to suburban family homes with outdoor space for the kids or pets to run around in.
Step 1: Rent or buy? Do your research first
Whether to rent or buy a property is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when you move to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Gather as much information as possible before deciding, including how and where to find a new home and how much it will cost.
Renting a house is a good option if you’re not sure how long you’ll stay in Auckland, or if you’d prefer to settle in to work and get to know the city better before buying. Trade Me is the most popular site to start your search, whether you’re looking for a large suburban home, an inner-city apartment, or a room in a shared house with flatmates (roommates). You can also compare average prices across different locations.
Around 64% of New Zealanders own their own home. If you plan to buy, make a budget and do your research first – think about what’s most important to you in a home, compare property prices, explore different parts of Auckland, attend open homes, and be prepared to act quickly if you find the right property. Consider renting first if you’re not sure where you’d like to live.
Like any city, house prices often change in response to numerous external factors, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with property pricing and trends. Read recent information on average sales and rental prices from impartial sources to compare the types of housing and areas of Auckland that will work best for your budget.
Housing is likely to be your most significant cost, whether renting or buying. So how does Auckland compare to other cities? Is it better to rent first or buy right away? Take a look at our cost of living guide to help create a realistic budget for your life in Auckland, from housing and transport to dining and entertainment.
Step 2: Choose your location
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is an incredibly varied region, offering different experiences, landscapes, and opportunities across diverse communities. Here’s what to consider when choosing where to live in Auckland.
What kind of lifestyle do you want to enjoy in Auckland – fast-paced and fabulous, or easy-going and family-friendly? Live close to the city centre’s vibrant dining, shopping and entertainment, or choose a more laid-back life by the beach or bush. The area you live in will affect property prices, your commute, and accessibility to schools and amenities.
Where you live plays a big part in your transport options, both for work and personal journeys. Auckland has a high rate of car ownership, so using public transport can save time and money. Suburbs are well connected to key centres with regular buses, and some areas have access to train and ferry services, park and ride facilities, or dedicated cycleways.
If you plan to visit Auckland before moving here, take some time to explore different areas and find out what they have to offer, from the beautiful beaches and native bush of the north and west to the heart of Auckland’s vibrant Māori and Pacific communities in the south, the seaside eastern neighbourhoods, to the lively inner city and surrounding suburbs.
Step 3: Find a house in Auckland
Find the best places to start your search for a home, and make the most of the free advice, information and support available for buyers and renters.
Trade Me is a great first stop to find houses available to buy or rent. All major real estate agencies list properties on the website, and you can create customised searches with preferred locations, size, type of house, and price range. You can also find a flatmate (roommate) or a room to rent, plus new and used furniture and appliances.
This website offers information on valuations and up-to-date estimates on what properties may sell for. The estimates are based on current trends in the overall property market, as well as by suburb. If you’re interested in a property, you’ll also find information on recent sales in each area, school zones, potential mortgage repayments and more.
Check out settled.co.nz for guidance on home buying from New Zealand’s official, independent real estate authority, sorted.org.nz for money and budgeting advice, and Live and Work New Zealand for housing information. Consider joining a Facebook group for migrants who have moved to Auckland to get first-hand tips and talk to your new colleagues.
Ready for your next tech career move? Auckland is Calling.
Sign up to our newsletter for information and updates.