Blog Minx

On a personal but slightly money-related note, I’ve found somewhere to live! In Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city and my old hometown, which I haven’t lived in for 12 years (since I finished high school). One of the advantages of living in Wellington is that it’s surrounded – almost – by the sea and is very hilly so the chances of having a sea view are at least 78.25%.

I’m a flat-hunting veteran – I’ve lived in more flats than you’ve had hot dinners this month. When looking for a rental property, I’ve learned to ask the following questions, which have been upgraded since I was student when all I required was a roof of some sort and hopefully slightly human flatmates:

• How much is rent (obviously) but also what is the bond and are there agent’s fees? Can be crippling.
• Is there a carpark and how secure is it? Is there any parking for visitors? Or maybe you don’t want visitors in which case it doesn’t matter – release the hounds.
• How much sun does it get? Is there lots of natural light? Unless you are a goth you might want some.
• Is there any heating? Thermals aren’t sexy. On anyone.
• Are there shops/cafes etc nearby? Two words: morning coffee.
• Are there lots of light fittings and plugs (sockets, I believe they’re called in the US)? Some places are just badly wired.
• Is there a lawn to mow? Any comfortable outdoor spots? Don’t get lumbered with the gardening of a rental.
• Is it insulated and sound proof? Any construction/planes/trains/drum and bass fans nearby?
• Is it placed directly on a faultline? (All of Wellington is; small quakes are part of life)

No property is perfect and it’s hard for something to meet all of the criteria. My new house (rented) is pretty awesome but I have to drive to food and town. Still, so do most people.

What do you look for when you’re house hunting or flat hunting? Any sharp learning curves?