8+ weeks before moving

Find a place to rent or buy

Start researching your new home now, but pace it right: rentals move fast and can't be secured months out, while buying rewards an early start.

Information for new tenants — Tenancy Services

Get my personalised moving timeline

Your address unlocks almost everything else on this checklist -- your removalist quote, school zone, GP enrolment, and utility connections all depend on it. Renters: listings are often advertised relatively close to their available date, so don't expect to view or apply yet -- use this time to research areas and set your budget instead. Buyers: there's no real "too early" to start.

See the full guide below for what to have ready for viewings and applications, the high-level shape of buying in NZ, and how to spot a rental scam.