4 ms·

NZ housing stock is truly atrocious. I knew it was bad but didn't appreciate how bad until living in the UK and going through winters sometimes without even nee

NZ housing stock is truly atrocious. I knew it was bad but didn't appreciate how bad until living in the UK and going through winters sometimes without even needing to use heating (granted in apartments in that situation). Double glazing being near universal compared to pathetic aluminium frames are a major difference and leaky buildings top it off.

midasuni 5y ago
Looked at emigrating to NZ shortly after the kids were born - so many friends had. I was shocked by the housing situation, prices were going crazy sure, that’s to be expected, but the actual quality of the housing was also terrible, and there wasn’t any cultural awareness of how bad they were Didn’t move in the end, mainly because we wouldn’t have the money for the kids to see grandparents. Still not sure it was the right decision.
- lostlogin 5y ago
  Any moves to tighten up building regulation are derided as red tape, nanny state etc. It’s amazing how much we undermine ourselves.
- jokethrowaway 5y ago
  I considered NZ as well but the weather looks pretty terrible in NZ (maybe slightly better than the UK), windy and rainy. House prices weren't too bad but quality wise they weren't great. I can't say they were much worse from London tbh (but it may be more related to how everything is expensive in London, outside of London house quality is way better). Also taxes are pretty bad. I'm completely appalled at how they're dealing with COVID so I'm glad I kept away from NZ and AU
  - lostlogin 5y ago
    Not sure about the weather comparison with the UK - its a lot wetter but the weather is more tropical (ie we get the rain in massive downpours, not drizzle). House prices are very very high relative to wages and the quality is deeply average. Comparing house prices to London is not very logical, as the wages are nowhere near the same. Dealing with covid - compare the death rate to pretty much anywhere. That was the point and what we wanted.

midasuni 5y ago

Looked at emigrating to NZ shortly after the kids were born - so many friends had. I was shocked by the housing situation, prices were going crazy sure, that’s to be expected, but the actual quality of the housing was also terrible, and there wasn’t any cultural awareness of how bad they were Didn’t move in the end, mainly because we wouldn’t have the money for the kids to see grandparents. Still not sure it was the right decision.

lostlogin 5y ago
Any moves to tighten up building regulation are derided as red tape, nanny state etc. It’s amazing how much we undermine ourselves.
jokethrowaway 5y ago
I considered NZ as well but the weather looks pretty terrible in NZ (maybe slightly better than the UK), windy and rainy. House prices weren't too bad but quality wise they weren't great. I can't say they were much worse from London tbh (but it may be more related to how everything is expensive in London, outside of London house quality is way better). Also taxes are pretty bad. I'm completely appalled at how they're dealing with COVID so I'm glad I kept away from NZ and AU
- lostlogin 5y ago
  Not sure about the weather comparison with the UK - its a lot wetter but the weather is more tropical (ie we get the rain in massive downpours, not drizzle). House prices are very very high relative to wages and the quality is deeply average. Comparing house prices to London is not very logical, as the wages are nowhere near the same. Dealing with covid - compare the death rate to pretty much anywhere. That was the point and what we wanted.