[Will_2007]

We're just about to book a removal company, transit time has been quoted as 8 weeks from collection to delivery, so we're looking at collection 4 weeks before we go, delivery 4 weeks after we get there. Basically living out of our suitcases in the UK before departure will be easy as we'll be able to stay in our house until a few days before we fly, and can borrow a car, bedding, pots, pans, hoover, etc. from family & friends to keep us going - basically it'll cost us nothing. Once in NZ though, we'll be in a pre-booked holiday home until we find ourselves a house/apartment to rent longer-term. Now, the less time we spend in the holiday home the cheaper it'll be for us...

So my question is, how long does it take to get a rental place over there (Tauranga, if it makes any difference). Assuming there's plenty on the market (seems to be, form what I can see on the net), and we find a place we like, is there much paperwork to sort out or will we be able to move straight in after paying a deposit/bond? It might mean we can book the removal company a week or two earlier

Hope that makes sense..... Cheers :)

[Lara Croft]

Hi Will_2007.

I doubt if it's much different in Tauranga, but I found the hardest part was actually finding a rental that I liked! So many looked nice on TradeMe, but were frankly awful when I viewed them. Be warned, if you only have an outside photo, then the interior is probably rubbish. Likewise, if they show you a nice lounge say, but no outside shots, then it is probably sited on a main road opposite a factory!!!

I looked inside maybe 10 properties, and did drive-bys of another 10 - 15 before I finally found one that I liked. The existing tenant wanted to move out quickly, and I signed for it less than a week later. This delay was to allow them time to move out, and for me to get some furniture arranged. The day after they had gone, I signed for the property, paid my bond and week's rent, and got the keys there and then :-) I'd taken some references with me, and I guess the landlord was happy with them - it was very quick & easy.

Quite a few are unoccupied, so you would be able to move in almost straight away.

Good luck!
Jane

[Will_2007]

Cheers, that's what I wanted to hear! I remember renting as a student here in the UK, it took a few weeks while they ran credit checks, got contracts drawn up and so on... I figured it'll take us a few weeks to actually find a place (sounds like I guessed right if your story is the norm!) but wasn't sure about how long it takes to actually get the keys...

Thanks!

Will