backdoor

We should be in NZ by mid May to beginning of June. Keep looking on Trademe for rentals, there is not a lot in the area. We are starting to get excited.

Nishka

garryhg

I'd just like to thank every one for their replies. Most of them have allowed us to get our thinking caps on...

I have had a call during the night to say I have been succesful with my job application, so we will be on our way soon.

Anyway my OH does not want to rent, so we will be looking to buy after the temp accommodation the employer is organising (2 weeks), so this will not give us much time to decide, so any further information would be great.

Probably West, Northshore or Hibiscus Coast.

Thanks

lardyl

mmm....I'd wait if I were you, if only to see how the £ vs. $ goes. Also you need some time to decide about those areas and the best place to do it is on the ground IMHO. Also buying over here is very different (as far as I can see not having bought yet) from doing it in the UK, there are lots of tendered sales, auctions and other things to consider and there are leaky buildings and downright shoddy developments to avoid. I'd invest a couple of months rental before you take that plunge - but then I'm probably too cautious and others may disagree - feel free to argue anyone.......

lardyl

looking at the local papers over the past couple of weeks the numbers of rentals available on HBC is rising - probably as the Summer is over and Easter hols are about to end.......check out those internet rental lists and try to find someone who can look at the loacl papers as quite a few property managers do not use the internet

garryhg

Thanks Larydl..... I have noticed the £ v's $ fluctuates quite a bit? Things have developed quite quickly for me, so am not aware on what is/was a good rate of exchange.

What sort of figure should we be looking for before we think about exchanging any money?

Cheers

By the way.... I would rather rent for a while ,as I don't want to make any mistakes either with the property or area, but the OH has other ideas... I'll try to talk her round....All she is concerned about is the multiple moving of the kids and how unsettling this could be... On the other hand if we buy a property quickly, these could be costly moves..

Thanks Anyway

lardyl

Paladin is the expert - check his threads, but £ is about the year long low against the $NZ and that might not change - check out threads/really useful about currency trading/dealing accounts.
WRT houses we kept ours on in UK (with Kiwi! tenants) as a safety net, probably sell in 9months or so if we are OK to stay in NZ - others we know bought straightaway, if you are happy with commuting etc (in Auckland for example) then this could be fine but dont underestimate the problems with transportation here and the effects that moving will have on you. It is the hardest thing I have done and I thought I worked hard before I left the UK, but the changes you have to deal with, esp. with kids are larger than you think and moving overseas is demanding mentally and physically. But when it comes together........it should be "sweet as".
Good luck, get as much info as poss and as prepared as you can.

backdoor

Thanks for the info. I will search the classifieds on line.

Cheers,

Nishka

garryhg

Hi Nishka...Noticed your from Canada! I visited family over there (Hamilton & St Catherines) in 2000. We were there foar a month and had a great time.

Good luck with your move

hayleyt

Hi Garry,

I know your first rental is only temporary for two weeks, but please dont rush in and buy get to know the areas first it's going to take that time for the jet lag to subside go into another rental first look at areas for schools and locality what the area has to offer because it's not cheap to buy here and if you realise you don't like the one you have bought because you rushed into it, it's going to cost you to sell up, so seriously think about renting first let things settle down because your wife is the one who is going have to deal with it, its seems its harder for the female side of a relationship to come to terms with being on the other side of the world. The man seems to get on with things.

Good luck anyway I'm on the Hibiscus coast any questions just ask. Hayley

minky

I totally agree about renting we had temporary accomodation for two weeks in the city looking around to where we wanted to be.We are renting for a year and may also go beyond that.It has given the children a base to settle and is an easy walk to school. Spend time going on open homes gain all the info you can and lastly make sure your the right side of right road for all the school zones.

backdoor

Glad you enjoyed yourself. We are about 2 hours north of Hamilton. And I am sick of the snow!! Good luck with your move aswell.

Cheers,

Nishka

backdoor

Do you know of any websites that feature short term stays? I have found some, but they range around 3-4k a month. We were looking for something a little less expensive.

Nishka

lardyl

just search for "fully furnished" or "holiday home" on the usual real estate search engine sites under <rentals>
best is http://www.realestate.co.nz/ IMHO
or trademe of course

backdoor

That is the area that we are moving to is less than a month, East
Auckland Meadowbank/Remuera. I have had my future employers drive round in their cars to see if they like the neighbourhoods and take pictures. There are some fancy photographers out there!!

Let you know how it is when we arrive. Although, I have also found that furnished homes in the area are few and far between! Trade me might be a nice option because you can find some places without letting fees and a smaller bond. We have no such thing in Canada so, it annoys me that I have to pay a realtor.

Cheers,

Nishka

lardyl

yeah, we have to pay for the management of our property in the UK and the letting fee here.......double whammey, heh??
Ah.....Remuera - I could do with a place there as the commute to/from Newmarket is a real pain at the mo' !!!