[carina]

Hi
I am new to the forum and just at the research stage at present. We are wondering what the costs of owning a house are in NZ- if it is left empty, if any one could help with that?

Thanks very much

Carina

[zardell]

Hi. We are wondering what the costs of owning a house are in NZ- if it is left empty. Carina



Absolutely no idea Carina, but WELCOME to the forum.

Julie

xx

[jess]

Welcome to the forum Carina!

You could check out what the council rates would be on the house for a year by looking up a house for sale in the price range you are interested in and then checking a council site for the rates on that property. For example, in Lower Hutt you can find a house for sale on a site like http://www.redcoats.co.nz/ and choose one in your range with the address posted. Then visit the council page for Lower Hutt (http://gis.huttcity.govt.nz/pes/presentation/compass/search.asp?newsearch.x=68&newsearch.y=13) and enter the address. You can see what sort of rates you could expect to pay annually in that area.

I don't know what else you could expect to pay in addition, but you can always count on taxes!

J

[carina]

Hi Jess

Thanks for your suggestions with regard to council tax- I will check it out.

Cheers

Carina

[captnron]

There has been a bit of catch up and now user-pay reigns supreme. It has moved into ludicrous proportions where councils will demand money even when you do not use services so take care. :no

Example:
1. Rates: Plan $120 per month average medium priced home
2. Sewer, Water and in many main centers, garbage are charged ongoing regardless if you use it. Budget $50 per 3 Months. In most cities you will be charged for sewer and water connection regardless if you even have it hooked up!
Then there is:
3. Power, Gas etc all require a monthly maintenance fee Budget $40 Ea
4. Telephone, & Internet may all have ongoing fees Budget 38 and 50
5. Pay TV
6. Security?
7. Mortgage

We get a lot of people asking about this issue directly. Typically it manifests itself with a request for an Energy Efficient House with a lower apartment or granny flat. The idea is they rent out the unused bit, the funds offset operational costs and provide a defacto live body (Security?) on site when away.

Hope this helps,

[browner_]

Dont forget your insurance