Homes & Relocation Detail
Location, location, location
Having made the decision to emigrate across the other side of the world to New Zealand, two of the most important decisions you need to consider are where to live and finding a job
But other factors are likely to influence your decision of where to settle and buy property in New Zealand – work, transport, family, lifestyle and, of course, the cost.
Work
For most emigrants work will almost certainly centre around the key areas of Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. When choosing where to live it is important to consider which part of the city your employment is based. Although traffic is much quieter than in the UK the main cities still have a rush hour so it is a good idea to talk to estate agents and property managers, or even your new employer, to find out how long it will take to commute from certain areas. Decide how long you are happy to spend travelling to and from work.
Transport
Take a look at the main road routes to and from your place of work and ask how busy they get during the rush hour. Also ask if any new roads are planned in the future. Councils will be able to provide this information. This will be a very important consideration as it may make your potential journey to work easier, and you may find a new road is proposed at the bottom of your garden!
Public transport is also an important factor. Although the rail system in New Zealand is dated, commuting services do run into the main cities. However, the buses are generally very good in and around the main employment areas and may provide an excellent means for commuting to and from work. Check out the bus services in the areas, good sites to look at are Stagecoach and Christchurch Bus.
Family
One of the other main considerations about where to settle for anyone emigrating with children will be schools. Not only the proximity of the schools, but also the quality of schools in the area. A good source of information for this is the Education Review Office.
Other factors influencing any decision will include proximity to shops, recreational facilities, doctors and hospitals.You may find an idyllic property with glorious coastal views, but it will be miles from the nearest school, shops or recreational facilities.
Lifestyle
New Zealand has something for everyone and typically you can find property close by. If water sports are your passion, then you can find many coastal properties within commuting distance of your workplace. Similarly, New Zealand has some of the world's best vineyards, golf courses and thermal spas. Finding the right property to help you realise your lifestyle dreams should not be difficult. Estate agents and property managers will be able to help.
Cost
Without doubt, one of the biggest factors when buying property is the cost, or more importantly, value for money. Properties close to the beach with coastal views do come at a premium. Similarly, good neighbourhoods with good schools and good facilities will also command a higher price. The further you are from the centre of the city and the main commuting routes, generally the cheaper the property. Working out what you are prepared to spend, will help narrow down the areas which are suitable for you to consider.
Property style
Unless you are an experienced builder or a keen DIY enthusiast, you will probably not want to spend time and money renovating a property in which you want to live. The same is true in New Zealand as with any other country, the older the house, the more money will need to be spent on it. A new or modern property may well be more appropriate. Most new housing developments in New Zealand have a strong focus on community, lifestyle and recreation, and for new families or couples emigrating and wanting to make new friends, these developments provide great opportunities.
The materials are also an important factor. In the UK, people are used to brick houses and most new houses in New Zealand are of this construction. However, many older properties are made of timber and thus the upkeep is likely to increase with age.
Climate
New Zealand has a very varied climate from north to south so the requirements of your property will vary depending on where you are. In the north of North Island, for example, summer is very Mediterranean and temperatures are generally pretty mild all year round, therefore heating is not necessarily a factor, but air conditioning might be. However, in Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown and other southern areas, winter temperatures can be quite cold and a property with heating will be a must, but also air conditioning for the summer. In New Zealand central heating typically doesn't come as standard.
Most importantly, don't be in a hurry. The rental market in New Zealand is very strong and whereas minimum- term contracts are commonplace in the UK for rental properties, the majority of agreements in New Zealand require just four weeks notice to terminate. Having done your research and found an area that you think is suitable, try renting there first. Get to know the people, check out the facilities, see how long it takes to commute to work. If the area is as you hoped, then start looking to buy. However, if it isn't, it is much easier to move to another rental property and try again than it is having to sell a property first.
Finally... having found the right area for you, buying property in New Zealand is straightforward, so enjoy your new life!
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