What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?
The real estate market in Nelson has been very buoyant. Properties can be challenging to secure, especially in good school zones. The school zoning is strictly enforced. Zoning is an area surrounding a school where pupils must reside to be eligible to attend. Zoning areas should be checked with each individual school.

When choosing a place to live, some important factors to consider are safety, location preference and individual needs. Depending on your preferences, you may want to find a place close to a school, church, transportation, shops, medical facilities and work. Choosing the right place to live is essential to having a pleasant and safe stay in Nelson.
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What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?
Stokes and Richmond are two of the more sought-after neighborhoods in Nelson. They are well established, with lovely homes and a wide variety of excellent schools, all located within a 15-minute drive to the city center. If you are interested in apartment living, there are a variety of options in or near the city center.
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Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?
Expats usually rent their homes initially. If they are staying for longer than one year, they will then typically purchase a home.
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Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?
When renting, you are required to pay a bond equivalent to two or three weeks of rent. This is held in a trust account by a third party and returned at the end of the tenancy providing there is no rent owed or damages to the property. Rent is always paid in advance, usually weekly or fortnightly and, if the property is obtained through a letting agent, there will also be a fee to be paid of one weeks' rent plus GST (Government Service Tax), currently at 15%. You could be required to have 5 weeks' rent prior to moving into a rental property: two weeks' rent in advance, two to three weeks' bond and one week to cover the letting fee.
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Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?
Typically, utilities are additional to rental prices. They are seldom included in the rent.
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Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?
Nelson is generally considered a safe city to live.
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I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?
The electric current for New Zealand is 230-240 volts. The electrical Hertz (Hz) is 50 hertz of power.
Plugs have two or three prongs in a triangular shape. Although adaptors are available, it may be better to purchase small appliances on arrival.
Type I plug - Oblique flat blades with ground (inverted V)

Type I plug - Oblique flat blades with ground (inverted V)
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Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?
Good rental properties are hard to find and it is advisable that transferees have a personal reference or testimonial from a previous landlord to assist in securing highly sought-after rental properties.
Some useful terms:
Flat - a dwelling normally shared by a group of people

  • Townhouses  - several properties on shared land
  • Units - dwellings joined to each other; usually single story
  • Bach - small holiday home
  • Bungalow/villa - older, wooden home; single story on own piece of land
  • Cottage - small, older, wooden home

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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.