Housing in Wellington is generally considered more affordable than in the cities of most other Western nations. The cost of housing in Wellington is a combination of the purchase price or weekly rental cost, plus the regular ongoing expenses and charges.

House Prices

There are several websites that offer up-to-date market prices for housing in Wellington, as well as different regions of New Zealand.

• Market trends - Real Estate Institute of New Zealand website
• Buying a Home in New Zealand - New Zealand Now website

Rental Prices

Similarly, there are several websites that offer a guide to Wellington rental prices.

• Rents in key cities - New Zealand Now website
• Wellington rent information - Tenancy Services website

Expenses

Listed below are the costs that come from running a house, such as gas, electricity, telephone, repairs, insurance and rates.

• Rates / Land Tax Home owners pay rates (not tenants of rental properties). Rates are a charge on property, and are based on its capital value. Naturally, rates values vary in different areas around Wellington.
• Maintenance and Repair Maintenance can be done by the owner (in the case of rental properties, maintenance is the landlord's responsibility), or they can hire tradespeople to carry out the work. These include plumbers, builders, electricians, carpenters, drain layers, gas fitters and glaziers. When choosing a tradesperson, check to ensure that they belong to their professional association.
• Charges The main charges include gas, electricity, water and telephone. Housing - Utilities

Related Links

• Rates
• Property and rates search
• Trade and professional groups - ConsumerBuild website