When we talk about house affordability NZ, how easily someone can buy a home in New Zealand based on income, savings, and market conditions. Also known as housing accessibility, it’s not just about how much you earn—it’s about how much you’re up against. In Auckland, a $100,000 salary might get you a small apartment. In Christchurch, it could buy you a three-bedroom house. The gap isn’t just location—it’s debt, deposits, and rules that don’t always make sense.
Many people think mortgage affordability, the maximum loan amount a lender will approve based on income, expenses, and credit is the only thing that matters. But it’s not. Lenders look at your debts, your job stability, even your bank statements from the last six months. And if you’re trying to buy with a partner, relationship property laws, how New Zealand law treats assets bought during a marriage or de facto relationship kick in—meaning your spouse might own half even if they didn’t put money down.
That’s why so many first-time buyers in NZ turn to shared ownership NZ, a scheme where you buy part of a home and pay rent on the rest, slowly increasing your share over time. It’s not magic. You still need a deposit, you still pay rent on the part you don’t own, and you can’t just sell whenever you want. But for people stuck between renting and owning, it’s one of the few paths left.
And then there’s the hidden stuff: closing costs, insurance, council rates, maintenance. A $700,000 house isn’t just $700,000. It’s another $15,000–$35,000 in fees, inspections, and moving costs. And if you’ve got student loans, credit card debt, or even a car payment, lenders will count that too. Your salary might look good on paper—but your real financial picture? It’s often a lot messier.
What you’ll find below isn’t theory. It’s real stories from people who’ve been there: a couple in Wellington who bought a home on $90,000 combined income, a single mom in Hamilton who used shared ownership to get into the market, and someone in Auckland who learned the hard way that a $100,000 salary doesn’t mean you can afford a $700,000 house. These aren’t success stories—they’re survival guides. And if you’re trying to buy in New Zealand right now, you need to know what actually works, not what the ads promise.
Can you afford a $700k house on a $100k salary in Auckland? The answer isn't yes or no - it's about deposits, interest rates, hidden costs, and whether you can survive financially if things go wrong.
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