[Toonster]

My husband and I have been planning the jump from the UK to NZ for a number of years now - trying to build up funds, paying off existing debts and getting married have taken the time. However, we are now at the start of the serious process - going out to NZ in two weeks for a recce, taking along CVs just in case, and then planning to go to the Expo in Feb for the job hunt.

However; I am aware that I probably look at life in NZ with rose tinted spectacles - looking at estate agents websites, I can see that we might actually be able to afford a home (can't do that in the UK), the politics seems better, the climate pretty much the same (I don't like it too cold, he doesn't like it too hot...). Whilst the wages are lower, it appears that the cost of living is, too. It looks like we will have a fantastic time out there.

Without wanting to put a dampner on the website, as it seems like so many people are having a great time out there (looking at the poll in this board...), are there any things that we need to be wary of? I know that nowhere is perfect, and I'm not looking at NZ to be Paradise, but it would be nice to know what pitfalls there are as well...

[Moorf]

Hi and welcome - there are plenty of pitfalls, most you'll find by reading about other's experiences in the threads, by topic. We don't really have a big list, mostly because one person's pit is another's paradise - but some threads are specific to things that need to be warned against - i.e. heating, tax, income, driving, locations... :) so it pays to have a good search around, too.

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

There are plenty of folk that have been here, tried it, didn't like it, went back.

Their threads are worth hunting down as they will give you some perspective too.

Do a search on threads with things like "going back" in the title might draw some out.

Missing family, friends/rellies falling ill in UK after you arrive and homesickness are biggies that people often struggle with.

A reccie trip is worth it's weight too, so it's good you're planning one.

[Toonster]

Thanks :-) I will have a hunt around - it is such a huge forum!

[JandL]

From what I have read the cost of living is higher than the UK compared to your wages. If you have £100k to take over then the house prices will look good, thats a good $250k, starting with much less however will make your glasses fall off. You do however seem to get more house for your cash, especially as nearly everything is detatched.

[Toonster]

What is the mortgage market like? If I could afford to take £100K, then I'd be able to buy a place in the UK ;-)

[Joolzr]

We haven't started looking for a mortgage yet but this site lists some for comparison:

http://www.interest.co.nz/mortgages.asp

I'm not convinced that the cost of living is lower here. In central Auckland I've found food to be more expensive. Books and wine definately cost more. But a few things like buses are cheaper and there are lots of free things to do.

I think it depends on where and how you live. We're newbies so still adapting.

Julie

[JandL]

I've estimated I need a mortgage of 400-500k for the perfect house (4 bed, 30 mins from CBD on the north shore) for my family. Going on an estimated income of $75,000 NZ with 2 kids and 2 cars, a morgage calulator from one of the banks gave me a maximum mortgage of 300k, slightly short of what I want :). I'm sure there will be a happy medium for me somewhere, estimates are never going to tell the true tale, but it makes me go into the journey with my eyes open.

My estimates are for in Auckland (My job ties me to a major city *mostly*) and I have a specific idea of what/where I want to live. If you are flexible I have no doubt that houses in NZ far outstrip the UK prices.

[willsken]

I hate to put a dampener on things but on $75,000, even if you only have a $250k mortgage you will be looking at it eating up about 1/2 your income, after tax. Won't matter so much if there are 2 of you earning a good wage, you just need to be aware.

[JandL]

ooo heck...

[Familyofmonkeys]

Hi and welcome - there are plenty of pitfalls, most you'll find by reading about other's experiences in the threads, by topic. We don't really have a big list, mostly because one person's pit is another's paradise - but some threads are specific to things that need to be warned against - i.e. heating, tax, income, driving, locations... :) so it pays to have a good search around, too.

Good advice....the cost of living seems to be any underlying cause of concern for many people once they arrive here and are surprised to find that it seems higher than they were expecting. Also have a good read of the threads about budgeting, grocery shopping, etc.