Flatting

Flatting

You can rent a room in a house called a ‘flat’ that you share with other people. This is called ‘flatting’, and it is very common in New Zealand. This is a good option if you want to have freedom, yet live with a group of people. Living with people from other countries is a good way to practise your English and make new friends.

The cost of flatting will vary depending on the distance from the city centre, the number of people sharing, and the size and quality of the rooms. We advise students to organise a flat viewing to check the flat conditions. You can expect to pay anywhere between $160 and $350 per week for your room in the flat plus moving in costs, such as a bond and letting fee. You will also need to pay for expenses such as power, heating, internet and cleaning supplies.

This option is suitable for students who are planning to stay in the flat for a longer period (6 months or more). If you decide to go flatting, you can find a group of people you would like to live with and then go looking for a flat that will suit your group, or you can look for an existing flat that has a room available.

The table below is a sample budget based on an individual sharing with two other flatmates in a 3-bedroom flat:

If you decide that flatting is the best option for you, it is a good idea to book either homestay accommodation or city accommodation for the first 2 – 4 weeks of your stay in New Zealand. This will allow you time to search and secure a suitable place.

Popular Facebook groups or websites to search for flats include:

Flatmates wanted – Auckland (Facebook)
Flatmates Wanted in Auckland (Facebook)
www.trademe.co.nz/flatmates-wanted
www.ekproperty.co.nz
www.nzflatmates.co.nz
www.roomies.co.nz

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