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Jump right in:

• Renting in New Zealand
• Rental process & rules
• How to find accommodation
• Short-term rentals in New Zealand
• Buying property as a foreigner
• Utilities
• Internet & TV

Renting in New Zealand

Rent in New Zealand is calculated weekly, so keep that in mind when considering the value of the rent advertised.

The average weekly rent is:

• 400 NZD (237 USD) for one-bedroom flat
• 650 NZD (385 USD) for three-bedroom apartment

However, rent prices in New Zealand largely depend on the region.

Auckland is the most expensive city, with average rent around 700 NZD (415 USD) per week, depending on the size and location of the accommodation. On average, you can expect to pay about:

• 1,500–3,000 NZD (860–1,700 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
• 2,500–5,500 NZD (1,430–3,150 USD) per month for three bedrooms apartment

On the West Coast, similar rentals can cost as little as:

• 1,000–1,200 NZD (575–690 USD) per month for a one-bedroom unit
• 1,800 NZD (1,040 USD) per month for a three-bedroom house

Furnished or unfurnished: Which is more common?

Typically, homes in New Zealand tend to be unfurnished. Also, the more bedrooms a rental property has, the less likely it is to be furnished. One-bedroom apartments are the type of homes more likely to be furnished since these are preferred by students, travelers, or other tenants in need of short-term accommodation. Still, only about one-quarter of these come with furniture.

For reference, the table below lists the average weekly rent for furnished and unfurnished homes. Prices are given in NZD (USD).

Rental process & rules

There are two types of tenancies in New Zealand:

• Fixed-term tenancy: typical rental contract with a fixed start and end date.
• Periodic tenancy: flexible agreement that ends when either the tenant or the landlord wishes to give notice.

Once the fixed-term ends, the tenancy becomes periodic. As mentioned, periodic tenancy has no end date. Usually, tenants must give 21 days’ notice in writing, while the landlord is expected to give a 90 days’ notice if they wish to terminate the tenancy.

It is also possible to have a short fixed-term tenancy, which consists of a 90-day period or less. This type of tenancy does not become periodic after it ends.

As for the rules of tenants and landlords, these are pretty standard. The landlord has to ensure the property meets all the health and safety standards, and they should not disturb the tenant during their stay. In case the landlord is absent from New Zealand for more than 21 days, they should have an agent represent them.

The tenant is responsible for paying rent on time, as well as paying for their own expenses, such as gas, electricity, or internet unless it’s included in the rent.

Flatting

“Flatting” in New Zealand refers to sharing an apartment (a flat) with other tenants. You will also hear roommates being referred to as flatmates or “flatties.” When you come across the word “flat” or “unit” in New Zealand, these refer to smaller properties, similar to apartments, that may be attached to another property.

As a flatmate, your rights and responsibilities may differ from those of a tenant who holds the lease, so it’s important to understand the distinction before moving in.

Rental contract and deposit

When renting in New Zealand, you’ll be asked for a deposit, or, as it is commonly referred to, a bond. This deposit can be up to 4-weeks' rent and should be returned to you at the end of the tenancy if no damage was done to the property and any furniture and appliances in it.

Typically, landlords will ask for a one- or two-weeks’ rent in advance, depending on whether you pay rent weekly or every two weeks.

You may also benefit from an option fee. If you’re unsure whether you wish to rent a property or not, you may give the landlord one week’s rent in advance, for them to hold it for you.

If you do end up renting the property, the money you gave should count as part of the rent or be returned.

If you pay a bond, your landlord must give you a receipt and lodge it with Tenancy Services within 23 working days, usually through a Bond Lodgement form. Once that happens, you’ll receive confirmation from Tenancy Services that your bond has been lodged.

What to include in the rental contract

The following information should be included in the rental contract:

• Full name of the tenant and landlord
• Contact addresses of the tenant and landlord, including email address and phone number
• The address of the property being rented
• The start date (and end date of the tenancy, if it is fixed-term), as well as the date the agreement was signed
• The amount of the bond, the rent, the frequency of payments, as well as the place or bank account where the rent is to be paid
• Any fees to be paid, such as, for example, an agent or solicitor
• A list of items provided by the landlord with the property
• Information provided by the landlord about insulation installed in the ceilings, floors, or walls together with details of the location, type, and condition of all insulation
• Signed healthy homes compliance statement

Required documents for renting

Some documents are required to rent in New Zealand, regarding your identity, source of income, and character. You’ll typically be asked for:

• your ID, such as a passport or driver’s license
• proof of income
• references, which could be from previous landlords, real estate agents or someone who isn’t related to you

You will also have to fill out a , which helps landlords choose a tenant. This form includes some initial information, such as your name, contact details, renting history, and the contact of the references you provide.

Paying utility bills

In New Zealand, tenants usually pay for the day-to-day costs of living in a rental, such as electricity, gas, internet, and in many cases water.

For water, who pays depends on how charges are set in that region. If the property has its own water meter and charges can be directly linked to the tenant’s use, then the tenant pays. But if the supplier charges a fixed amount regardless of whether the property is occupied, the landlord is responsible. Wastewater is sometimes calculated from metered water use, in which case tenants can also be asked to cover it.

For gas, if the property uses bottled gas rather than mains supply, the landlord must provide the cylinder and any piping. The tenant then pays for the gas they use, while the landlord covers any hire charges for the bottle itself. Sometimes landlords provide a full bottle at the start of the tenancy, with tenants expected to return it full when they leave — but this should be agreed in writing.

Internet, phone, and electricity are normally the tenant’s responsibility unless specifically included in the rent. As for insurance, both sides need their own cover: landlords should insure the rental property, while tenants are advised to take out contents and liability insurance for their belongings and any accidental damage.

How to find accommodation

Most people in New Zealand look for housing online. Some of the platforms you can check out are:

For shared housing:

Short-term rentals in New Zealand

If you need a place to stay as soon as you land and you do not have an apartment or house ready for you, you can rest assured there are many options for short-term rentals.

It is common for new arrivals to stay at local hotels, holiday homes, “tourist flats”, or cabins. Their availability will largely depend on whether it is the tourist season or not. The average price for short-term accommodation is 100 NZD a night for one person and 200 NZD for two people.

You should also know that short-term rental contracts are quite common in New Zealand. These will allow you to stay in a room or apartment for longer, but still, require a low commitment on your part. This type of tenancy has no end date and you are only required to give notice 21 days before moving out. If you choose this type of accommodation, the documents you will need are the same ones listed above for long-term rentals.

The most common places to find accommodation are or , but you can always rely on popular holiday housing, too.

Buying property as a foreigner

Buying residential property in New Zealand as a foreigner is tightly regulated. Since 2018, most overseas buyers are not allowed to purchase existing homes.

You may be able to buy property if you’re a New Zealand resident, or if you’re an Australian or Singaporean citizen. In some situations, foreign investors can also apply for approval through the Overseas Investment Office (OIO), such as when buying new builds or certain types of developments. You can .

For those who are eligible to purchase, the process is well regulated and usually runs smoothly. Once a sale is agreed upon, settlement can often be completed within a few weeks. And once your offer has been formally accepted, the property cannot be snatched by last-minute bids.

House prices in New Zealand

The current average house price in New Zealand is 770,000 NZD (approx. 464,000 USD). Below is a list of some average house prices per region, from the most expensive to the least expensive:

Types of property in New Zealand

You will typically find these common types of residential properties in New Zealand:

• Apartments (or flats) and studios are common in bigger cities. These can be new apartment buildings, or converted commercial buildings, which are becoming increasingly popular.
• The single-family houses are stand-alone houses with back and front yards, completely independent from other properties.
• Multi-unit or multi-family properties consist of two or three homes that share a roof.
• Condominiums, or condos, are housing complexes with shared facilities, such as lawns or backyards.
• Townhouses are individual homes of two or three floors that share its wall with the neighboring homes. As these are usually spacious, they are ideal for families.

In New Zealand, most houses are standalone houses, which include the block of land.

Buying a house in New Zealand: Process & steps

1. Arrange finances

Most New Zealand banks prefer a 20% deposit of the property’s value. Once you have a deposit, apply for a home loan pre-approval (also called conditional approval). This gives you an estimate of how much a bank or lender is willing to lend, and shows sellers that you are a serious buyer. Lenders will assess factors like your deposit, income, regular expenses, credit history, and existing debts. Recent lending rules mean you will need to provide detailed proof of your finances, including everyday spending.

2. Find a home

Once your finances are in order, you can begin house hunting. You can look for homes through major property websites such as , , , or , as well as through real estate agents, private sales, or even local networks of friends and family.

As you view properties, pay close attention to the details. Inside, look for signs of dampness, mold, or poor insulation. Outside, check the condition of the roof, gutters, and drainage. Also confirm the type of property title (freehold, leasehold, unit title, or cross lease), as this affects ownership rights and responsibilities.  The Real Estate Authority (RAE) provides further information on the possible .

3. Make an offer

When you’ve found your dream home and are ready to buy, your offer must be made in writing using a sale and purchase agreement. Offers can be either conditional or unconditional:

• A conditional offer includes requirements such as finance approval, a building inspection, or a LIM (Land Information Memorandum) report, and these conditions must be met within an agreed timeframe before the contract becomes binding.
• An unconditional offer has no conditions. Once accepted, you’re legally committed to the purchase, so it is important to complete all due diligence beforehand.

Before making any offer, it is important to do your homework. This usually involves ordering a LIM report to check the property’s history and risks, arranging a building inspection to identify any structural issues, and engaging a lawyer to review the title and advise on legal matters. If you make a conditional offer, it only becomes binding once all the conditions are met. At that point, you will usually pay the deposit and prepare for settlement.

4. Settlement and moving in

You’ll need to pay the deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price, once your offer is accepted. Next, you’ll finalize your mortgage with the bank. This means agreeing on your loan structure, reviewing the sale and purchase agreement, and signing the mortgage documents with your lawyer.

Before settlement, you’re entitled to a final inspection. This ensures the property is in the agreed condition, that all included chattels are present, and that any promised repairs have been completed. If issues arise, your lawyer can step in on your behalf.

On settlement day, your lawyer completes the transfer of funds and legal documents. Once everything is signed off, the keys are handed over and the property is officially yours.

Does buying a home guarantee citizenship in New Zealand?

Buying property in New Zealand does not grant you citizenship or permanent residency. To become a New Zealand citizen, you must first live in the country as a resident for at least five years.

You may be eligible for residency through the Active Investor Plus visa. To qualify, you must invest at least 15 million NZD (approx. 8,949,000 USD), or 5 million NZD (approx. 2,983,000 USD) if your investment is in higher value direct investments such as New Zealand businesses. Property investment does not count toward this threshold. The visa requires you to keep the investment in place for a set period, spend time in New Zealand each year, and meet other eligibility criteria.

Utilities

Whether you rent or own, you typically have to contact utility providers yourself once you have settled on a place. The required documents may depend on the provider you opt for but typically include:

• Your personal details, including phone number and email
• Your bank account information for direct debits — you may also pay by online banking, automatic payment
• Details about the property, including the contract that shows your connection to the property (proprietor, tenant, etc.)
• The Installation Control Point (ICP) number in the case of electricity, which can be found in the meter box of your new place

Electricity and gas

The type of outlet used in New Zealand is Type I, a three-flat pinned type of outlet that is also used in China, Australia, Argentina, and a few other countries. This outlet type is quite uncommon globally, so keep that in mind in case you plan to buy plug adapters or appliances you wish to keep. The voltage is 230/240 volts (50 Hz).

Gas is commonly used throughout the country, for heating and cooking. In some parts of the North Island, you’ll find pipped natural gas, whereas in the rest of the country, you have gas supplied in bottles.

You’ll also find wood burners popular in New Zealand. In case you wish to use them as a form of heating, make sure the burner has a building consent and that your chimney is swept annually to keep your insurance cover valid.

Some of the companies provide electricity and gas are , , , , or .

Water

Water is supplied by local councils, and the rates vary from region to region. Landlords are responsible for keeping water supply active and paying any basic infrastructure or supply charges. In most cases, tenants pay for the water they use (if it’s metered), while landlords handle the rest. Always read your tenancy agreement or check with your landlord so you know who pays for what.

You can pay your water bill via credit or debit card, digital payments, or through the app if the local company has one.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in most towns and cities since it undergoes treatment and testing. However, in rural areas or when water comes from private sources or small supplies, drinking water quality can vary.

Internet & TV

Generally, internet services in bigger cities are faster and more readily available than in other parts of the country. In many rural areas, internet connections for broadband are provided through satellite. In major cities and towns, you can also find 4G and 5G mobile broadband available.

Some of the main mobile phone providers are:

Cell phone coverage is not guaranteed in more rural or secluded areas, so keep that in mind whenever exploring more remote parts of the country.

Television in New Zealand

TV in New Zealand is entirely digital. You may watch television free-to-air if you have a Freeview box, or you can subscribe to Pay TV, which includes more channels.

 is a TV service with no fees though you typically have to pay for the equipment, which is a one-time purchase. Some channels available in Freeview are specific to certain regions, and may also depend on which type of TV antenna you use.

For pay television, the main provider is Sky TV. Many households also use streaming platforms as alternatives or add-ons to Freeview and Sky.