Buying a house in Auckland - information for newcomers

WHERE CAN I FIND HOMES TO BUY?

House prices vary greatly from area to area. Houses and apartments are usually sold through real-estate agents, who receive a 'commission' (usually a percentage of the sale price) from the seller. Some are sold privately through newspapers and online. Some have an 'asking price' which is shown in the advertisement, and many are sold through auction. Agents list the properties they have for sale, and you can contact them to arrange a visit. You will also see 'open homes' advertised. This means anyone can view the house or apartment for a short, fixed period of time, usually on Saturday and Sunday.

Also, look in The New Zealand Herald (an Auckland-based newspaper) for houses and apartments to buy (find the right section of the newspaper by checking the 'Full Index' on page 2). Or look for the free local newspaper or Property Press which is delivered once or twice a week to your mail box. Websites such as Trade Me and Trade & Exchange have houses and apartments for sale too.

Most accommodation (to rent or buy) in Auckland are stand-alone houses - mostly made of wood, but some of brick or concrete. Newer houses are insulated. Older houses may have little insulation and can be cold and damp. Most houses and apartments are heated by open fires, wood burners, heat pumps, or electric or gas heaters. Central heating and double glazing are not common. There are also a number of apartment blocks. Some are for families, some for single people and couples.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT HOME OWNERSHIP?

Auckland Regional Migrant Services runs workshops in its Three Kings and Manukau offices to give people advice on buying your own home. New Zealand has many of its own laws and rules on property, and you will need a good understanding of these. Contact ARMS or visit the website for the date and time of the next workshop.

Most real-estate agents also give general advice on their websites about the house-buying process. Banks provide full information on buying a house and how they can help you with finance. Many banks offer specialist services for migrants. Ask at bank branches for details of these services.

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES?

The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand offers a buyer's checklist.

Useful Contact Details

Trade Me
www.trademe.co.nz
search for: houses for sale

Trade & Exchange
www.te.co.nz
click on: Houses & Sections for sale

Property Press
www.propertypress.co.nz

ARMS (Auckland Regional Migrant Services)
www.arms-mrc.org.nz

Three Kings Resource Centre
09 625 2440
reception@arms-mrc.org.nz

Manukau Resource Centre
09 263 5490
manukau@arms-mrc.org.nz

North Shore Resource Centre
09 419 7340
reception@arms-mrc.org.nz

CAB (Citizen's Advice Bureau)
www.cab.org.nz
09 624 2550
To find your nearest local CAB www.cab.org.nz/bureaux/loc-north.htm