Your first days in your home in New Zealand

@Cheryl there's no point to beat about the bush. Fact is that there is a huge shortage of houses in NZ. If you plan to buy your own place, better bring $500,000+ with you and if you're lucky you may be able to buy in some remote place somewhere and don't expect Banks to help you out…. That situation is of course reflected in rental prices, so don't expect to find a very basic undesirable place for under $500/week.

No, New Zealand is no longer a paradise (for immigrants) and my strong advice (as a former immigrant myself) is, stay where you are, or try somewhere else, but NZ is a definite no go.

Cheryl, my home last year cost 400000 without bank interest. If you will visit my town then I or someone of my family can meet you and show it. Good luck with your home

Hello everyone,

I am aware that the cost of living in NZ and especially in Auckland is not cheap considering the geographical location which is at the end of the world. We (family of 5) just got our resident visa approved (in principle) so our move from Germany to Auckland will soon become a reality.

However, as our motivation is not financial, such as improving income, but more lifestyle and education for our children, we will hopefully be able to sell our property in Germany first before moving to Auckland this year. With the money we expect to have a better deposit for the house and also be able to buy cars cash there. The money for the house will be deposited in EU banks until we find one in Auckland.

I guess with NZ transitional tax resident we don't have to pay tax on any overseas interest for the first 4 years, right?

In case we find a house we want before one year living in NZ, we (as resident visa holders) could still buy a house by applying for a consent from the Overseas Investment Office, right?

Thanks very much,

WW