Housing and property
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Buying or selling a home
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Financial help for first home buyers
You may be able to get government help to buy your first home if you’re a KiwiSaver member, a Kāinga Ora tenant and wish to buy the house that you live in, or are Māori and want to live on your ancestral land.
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Buying a house, apartment or a rental property
Learn about the house buying process. Work out what you can afford before you start looking at properties.
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Selling your house
Selling your house or rental property is a big decision. Find out what’s involved and how to go about it.
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Renting and flatting
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When you get a flatmate in your own house
If you own a house, you can get people to occupy the spare bedrooms and help with the bills.
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Renting
Tenants, landlords and flatmates have different rights and responsibilities when renting a home or boarding house room.
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Building and renovating
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Renovating your home
If you’re renovating, make sure you use licensed tradespeople and get consents where you need them.
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Building your own home
There are laws you need to comply with when you’re building — whether you're hiring a builder or doing the work yourself.
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Get financial help with housing
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Help with housing and paying rent
If you’re having trouble finding or affording a stable home, you may be able to get access to low-cost housing or help with accommodation costs.
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Postpone or defer paying your rates
If you own your own home, many councils let you postpone or defer paying your rates. Check with your council to find out if they offer this service and whether you are eligible.
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Get a rates rebate
Find out what a rates rebate is, if you qualify and how much you might get off your rates. See how and when to apply and download the application form.
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Insulation and energy efficiency
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Energy efficiency
Work out how to save money on your energy bills, make your home more energy efficient and protect the environment.
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Paying for home insulation
Find out if you can get help to pay for home insulation and efficient, fixed heating options through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme.
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Neighbourhood problems
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Noisy neighbours
Try asking your neighbours to be quiet if they're making too much noise. You can also complain to their landlord or the council.
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Pruning tree branches
You can trim most branches or roots that cross into your property up to the property boundary.
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Fences, driveways and drains
Neighbours should share the costs for fences and shared driveways. You may share the costs for some drains.
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Dog problems and complaints
If you're having problems with a dog, you can speak to the dog's owner. Otherwise you can speak to your local council.
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