Renting

Most rental accommodation is in houses, units or flats owned by private landlords.

Accommodation for rent is advertised in the local newspapers; The Northern Advocate (especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays), The Report and The Whangarei Leader. See For Rent in the “Classifieds” section. Local real estate agents also advertise rental properties.

When you rent you will need to pay a deposit. This can be 3-4 weeks rent in advance.

Housing New Zealand Corporation (HCNZ) also provides rental housing.
To apply for a house from HNZC you must have lived in New Zealand for two years. If you receive an emergency benefit and are suffering hardship, HNZC may accept your application sooner.

Special assistance is available to people with refugee status. For further information visit Housing New Zealand's website or free phone 0800 801-601, or go to Tenancy Services.

Tenancy Services offers advice and mediation on renting. Free Phone: 0800 836 262 or for bond enquiries visit the Tenancy Services website or free phone: 0800 737 666

A Tenancy Agreement is a written, legal contract between you and your landlord. The law says you must have one. For advice, contact Tenancy Services.
Furniture and home ware – houses and most flats are advertised as unfurnished. Second-hand furniture and household goods can be purchased at second-hand shops.There are also a number of outlets in Whangarei selling quality new goods.

Rental properties and secondhand goods are also advertised in:

• Sell Me Free
• TradeMe - an online auction site for people wanting to buy and sell goods

Garage Sales have cheap second-hand goods. They are usually held on Saturdays and sometimes Sundays, and are advertised in The Northern Advocate on Saturday. Many people also put signs on fences indicating the day and location of a garage sale.

Trade & Exchange magazines are available at most book stores and some service stations.

Check with www.consumer.org.nz for information on your rights when buying used goods.

Buying a house

When buying a house you can arrange finance through your bank or an independent mortgage lender. Most will ask you to pay a deposit (often 20% of the cost of the house) and will look at your income, your assets, debts and credit rating. Your bank will have information on the types of mortgages available.

Sorted.org.nz is an excellent resource for first time buyers in New Zealand

Properties for sale are advertised through:

• Real estate agents
  See Real Estate Agents – MREINZ;
• The Realtor and Bluebook (weekly publications) available free at real estate agencies;
• The Northern Advocate. Look for ‘Open Homes’ when you can visit the house without a real estate agent accompanying you.
• Free publications such as Homesell and Property Press are available at supermarkets, petrol stations and dairies and The Report and Whangarei Leader newspapers, which are delivered to your letterbox.
• This site gives some guidance on the property buying process: http://www.real-estate-nz.com/
• All major real estate companies have websites that advertise houses nationwide.
• You may also buy a house through a private sale.