renting property whilst job-hunting

heather

Hi

My partner and I will be arriving in New Zealand in a few months time and will be looking for work once we get there. We both work in Graphic Design, which is on the list of occupation shortages in Auckland, so we plan to try there first.

Our main concern is finding an apartment to rent whilst we are looking for a job. I know in London it can be hard to sign a contract on a flat without already having a full time job and also for less than a six month minimum period. Does anyone know if it is the same in NZ? We don't want to have to spend a lot of our savings staying in hotels during this time, or commit to six months, as our savings won't last that long if we don't find work.

Would appreciate any advice.
Thanks
Heather

Robert · Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 8:28 pm Post subject:

Renting here is easy with often no minimum commitment. Rents may rise if you want a very short term - you will just have to haggle.

There are always houses needing tenants for just 6 weeks to 3 months though and as it is hard to find tenants for them you may get a very good price if you are prepared to move out soon.

No-one I know had any problem finding acceptable accommodation although as oft stated, insulation, double glazing and central heating are very much non-rental accoutrements unless you pay big money.

Graham Barnes · Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 11:27 pm Post subject:

Hi Heather,

We're moving out to Auckland at the end of July, and are in a fairly similar position with regards to renting before we buy somewhere. Ideally we would like to rent somewhere for up to three months, and don't want to commit to a full six month contract.
I think there is a flood of new apartments just coming onto the market in Auckland, and it's fair to bet that most of these have been/will be bought by investors to rent out. Hopefully, a glut of said appartments will mean that landlords need to flexible regarding contracts.
I reckon that the best bet is to phone up some agencies and see what they say. Does anyone know of any rental agencies in Auckland? The only real estate websites I have found deal with sales and seem to have very few rental listings.

Thanks.
Graham

heather · Posted: Mon May 17, 2004 11:47 pm Post subject:

Hi, thanks for your responses, it is good to know it shouldn't be too much of a problem finding a short term stay. Kind of worried about lack of heating though!! Have heard similar stories about accommodation in Australia. We are touring SE Asia at the moment and may land in NZ around about July which I guess is "mid-winter" - how cold does it get at this time of year? Coats and hats or just a jacket?
Thanks again
Heather

heather · Posted: Wed May 26, 2004 6:50 pm Post subject:

Robert (or anyone else who can help),

You mentioned that there are always houses/flats needing tennants for 6 week - 3 month stays - how do we find out about these? We are currently in SE Asia but will get to Auckland around the start - mid August and would like to get into rented accomodation asap rather than paying for hotel rooms - do you know anywhere I could contact to start the ball rolling before we get there? Also, what is the situation with regards furniture? We would need a furnished flat as we don't want to ship our stuff over until we know we are definitely staying long term.

Thanks again
Heather

hede · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 12:16 am Post subject:

Hi Heather!
I don't think you will have any problem at all to find a place to stay. There are heaps of houses and flats to rent. You can checkout www.realenz.co.nz and see if there is something suitable. Most real estate agancies do rentals.

If you don't have to arrange before you get here there is another way: there are always plenty of notes about long and short term rentals on the notice boards in shops and supermarkets. Where I live (Devonport) one of the best places to look for rentals and used stuff for sale is at the window of The Barber Shop!

My family and I came to Auckland three months ago. We rent a wonderful house in Devonport and we just love to be here.

Good luck!