Originally Posted by cottageinthesky

Depends where you're buying the land and how high the specification is for the house.

I specialise in selling sections in Wellington - prices from $250k-$400k. Size doesn't necessarily equate to price, more dependent on how easy it is to build, how much of land is usable - there's a lot of very steep land here in Wellington! A bit further out, say, Johnsonville or Tawa, sections can be found from $150k-180k.

Build costs for the house probably $1200 - $2500 per m2, dependent on quality - if you're building on anything other than flat land, out of ground costs can add up.

Design & Build is a good option - I've got sections in Aotea - 20-25 minutes drive from Wellington City, 400m2 section, house 180-195m2, all-in price from $410k - you are then in control of designing the house and get exactly the accommodation and facilities you want.

Originally Posted by Jack Daws

Greeting Expat types/wanna be's

After 2 years or so of giving up (well the missus did anyway) going to NZ I am seriously considering it again

So whats new?

ODP's still on the POL?

Wages still crap?

Housing still going through the roof?

Basically "Hey up" dudes and Dudettes

Originally Posted by waynepfry

Wages seem to be ok, housing expensive but nowhere near UK levels. We talked about enigrating for two years and got so sick of talking about it. It came down to either shut up or do it. I know it's a big move but where's the risk? We've been here almost two weeks (hardly veterans I know) and it's well worth the move. The schools are great, the weather's better etc, etc - if you've been thinking about moving this long the itch will never go. Far better doing something you may regret than never doing anything at all. If you decide not to go it will hit you like a brick sooner or later then you'll onder why you never came........I hope you make the right decision (but it sounds like you've already made it) but I can recommend coming here 100%

Originally Posted by choccydog

I think it will all come down to wages, unfortunately. If you can live with a lot less money (vs UK) as a trade-off for better quality of life in non-money-driven respects, NZ can still be OK.

Money, regrettably, influences many other aspects of daily/ annual living incl eating well, travelling & holidays, freedom, material things.

Summary: wages are still poor.

choccydog

Originally Posted by choccydog

Hmmm...I've just returned to the UK and just sitting on my arse thinking what next to do, I get more in basic benefits (don't qualify for unemployment/ jobseekers so I mean child benefit, child tax credit etc) is more than the average Kiwi salary when you take income tax into account.

UK is more expensive than NZ, though.

Originally Posted by Wife Beater

Eh up sailor boy.
You will have to pop in for a stella when you are passing.

Originally Posted by Jack Daws

Bloody hell :scared:

Now let me guess.........mmmm..........mmmmmm.........Could you be Welsh?


Mmmmmm........mmmmm.......Like woollen things?


Eh up Billy .

Would love to pop in dude. But my missus has changed her mind AGAIN about moving

One day she will realise that its the best thing we could do for us and the kids.

Originally Posted by sky

Everyones in debt here up to their eyes to keep living at the level they are doing and something has to give I think soon.

Originally Posted by Apple12

Errrm speak for yourself. We are going to be mortgage free and debt free within a month

Originally Posted by sky

Errrm oh ok apart from cashed up expats