Accommodation in Auckland

Finding accommodation in Auckland can be a challenge for expats. Auckland's status as a global city and its position as New Zealand's economic hub have resulted in sky-high property prices, and the city's growing population has further increased the demand for accommodation in Auckland.

Most expats working in Auckland prefer to rent accommodation. Even those with long-term plans to stay in Auckland continue renting, as buying property can be prohibitively expensive.

Areas and suburbs in Auckland

When moving to Auckland, you’ll have many areas and suburbs to choose from. The city centre is popular with those looking for a vibrant urban lifestyle. Here, you can find trendy apartment buildings and modern high-rises that offer stunning views of the city skyline. The central location also puts you within easy reach of the city's top restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.

Several areas in Auckland offer a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Suburbs like Mount Eden, Epsom, and Remuera are popular with families thanks to their excellent schools, beautiful parks, and charming local shops and cafés.

For those who love the sea, there are a few neighbourhoods in Auckland that offer easy access to the city's picturesque coastline. Areas like Devonport, Takapuna, and Mission Bay are all located on or near the beach and offer a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle. The area offers everything from swimming and surfing to beachside dining and shopping.

Multiple affordable areas in Auckland offer great value for money. Suburbs like Papatoetoe, Otahuhu, and Mangere are all located in South Auckland and offer a diverse range of affordable housing options, from single-family homes to apartments. These areas are also generally well-connected to the city centre via public transport, making them a convenient choice for those on a budget.

Types of accommodation in Auckland

As the city has developed into an urban sprawl, with numerous areas and suburbs, many types of accommodation can be found in Auckland.

While the city centre mostly offers apartments, Auckland's many suburbs offer expats a mix of modern and historic freestanding houses. The quality of housing in Auckland varies, but expats might find that most accommodation in the city is poorly insulated.

As each neighbourhood in Auckland has a distinct character, you’ll need to decide which area suits you best before starting your house hunt. Another critical consideration is proximity to both work and school. Many Aucklanders either own cars or rely on buses, so traffic throughout the city can be severe.

Finding accommodation in Auckland

You can find accommodation through online property portals, social networking sites, and through real-estate agents and some relocation companies.

As the property market in Auckland is extensive, fast-paced, and competitive, enlisting the services of a real-estate agency can be beneficial. These agencies usually have intimate knowledge of the local market, as well as access to housing deals that might not be listed online.

Relocation companies also frequently offer house-hunting services to help you find the perfect rental accommodation with minimal effort. Simply state your preferences and budget, and your relocation company will provide you with a curated selection of properties to view.

Useful links

• TradeMe
• realestate.co.nz
• Barfoot & Thompson

Renting accommodation in Auckland

Renting accommodation in Auckland is fairly easy. Applications are straightforward, and lease agreements are usually clear and easy to understand. That said, you’ll need to get used to paying rent on a weekly basis.

Making an application

References from previous landlords are typically required when making an application, although some may choose to forego the references in return for a larger deposit. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) deals with housing legislation and official processes, making applying for accommodation smooth and easy.

Leases

A rental tenancy agreement (RTA) is legally required for renting accommodation. Real-estate agents tend to only deal with fixed-term contracts of 12 months. That said, you might be able to negotiate either a longer-term or shorter-term lease if dealing directly with a landlord.

Costs and fees

Rent in Auckland, as is the norm in New Zealand, is usually paid weekly, and the prices advertised represent this weekly sum. Real-estate agents may not charge tenants a fee for their services, and are paid by the landlords instead.

Renting shared accommodation is also popular because of the high cost of rent. 'Flatting' (sharing a house with others) or 'boarding' (renting a room in someone's home) are standard options for young couples or single people living in Auckland.

Terminating the lease

If you want to terminate your lease before the contract term is up, you’ll need to provide written notice to your landlord or property manager. The amount of notice varies and is typically stipulated in the rental agreement. In the event of an early termination, you might forfeit the deposit. 

Deposits

Landlords will typically require that tenants pay a deposit equivalent to one month's rent. The deposit, also called a bond, is something to keep in mind when looking for accommodation, as the initial sum required can be hefty.

Utilities

Utilities are usually not included in the rent. Additionally, while the landlord will cover the rates and home insurance, you’ll need to cover insurance for your furniture or personal belongings.

Electricity and gas

There are several electricity and gas providers in Auckland, including Genesis Energy, Mercury, and Contact Energy. You can compare rates and plans on websites such as Glimp or Powerswitch. Piped gas is not available in some parts of Auckland, so it's important to check availability in the specific area.

Water

In Auckland, water is provided by Watercare, a council-controlled organisation responsible for supplying water to the region. Water bills are sent out every three months, and can be paid online or via automatic payment.

Bins and recycling

Auckland Council provides rubbish and recycling services to households across the region. There are different collection days for different areas, and residents can check their collection days online on the Auckland Council website. Rubbish is collected weekly, and recycling is collected fortnightly.

Remember to familiarise yourself with the rules around what can and cannot be recycled in Auckland, as there are some differences compared to other parts of New Zealand. Items such as glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, and paper and cardboard are eligible for recycling in Auckland, while plastic bags, garden refuse, and medical waste have separate processing systems.

Useful links

• Watercare
• Glimp
• Powerswitch
• Auckland Council