Buying guide
Where are the cheapest houses in NZ?
Looking for a cheap house? We’ve scoured the country to find the cheapest place to buy a house in Aotearoa New Zealand.
AI summary
Searching for affordable housing in NZ? Several regions offer prices well below the national average, making them ideal for first-home buyers or those seeking a lifestyle change.
Based on the Property Pulse Report, the most affordable regions include Gisborne, the West Coast, and Southland. Within Auckland, look to areas like Waitakere, Franklin, and Papakura for lower prices.
You can find bargains by sorting Trade Me Property listings by 'lowest price', but always consider lifestyle needs and extra costs.
Looking for a bargain on the property ladder? While New Zealand’s housing market is still pricey in many regions, there are a few standout areas where average house prices are well below the national average of $800,700 (December 2025). If you're open to a change of pace and scenery, you might just find your dream home for a fraction of the cost.
The 5 Cheapest Regions to Buy a House in New Zealand (July 2025)
Based on the latest Property Pulse Report data, these are the most affordable regions in Aotearoa right now:
- Gisborne: $463,100
- West Coast: $469,300
- Southland: $509,600
- Manawatū–Whanganui: $571,000
- Taranaki: $664,700
These regions offer significantly lower average asking prices than places like Auckland ($951,550) or Bay of Plenty ($963,000), making them appealing for first-home buyers or anyone looking to downsize without compromising on lifestyle.
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There are still cheap properties in NZ if you know where to look.
Want to find some crazy cheap houses for yourself?
At any given time Trade Me Property is home to a few surprisingly cheap NZ houses. To find some bargains for yourself:
- Jump onto Trade Me Property’s residential search page.
- Leave the location as ‘All New Zealand’.
- Hit search.
- Once the results have loaded, sort by ‘lowest price’ and start browsing.
You’ll have to scroll through several houses for relocation and leasehold properties but around page ten you should start coming across sections for under $100,000. In December 2025, there was a section in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay asking just $58,000.
Keep searching and eventually you’ll start finding ultra-cheap houses.
Where are the cheapest houses in Auckland?
The cheapest houses in Auckland can be found in Waitakere, Franklin, Manukau and Papakura.
The average price of homes in Franklin and Waitakere are lower because they are slightly further from central Auckland but if you're able to work from home or your commute isn't too bad this could be an ideal location for you. Manukau and Papakura, on the other hand, are a mix of apartments and houses which keeps the average house price lowers.
At the time of writing, freehold apartments and land can be found for as little as $269,000. The cheapest standalone houses in Auckland are a little more expensive, usually starting at $450,000+.
FAQs: Buying an affordable house in NZ
1. What should I look for in NZ’s cheapest regions?
Beyond price, think about job opportunities, commute options, and the area’s overall vibe. In places like Buller and Waimate, you might get more house for your money, but check out what’s nearby and how it suits your lifestyle.
2. What are the extra costs when buying a home?
On top of the purchase price, budget for local rates, home insurance, and any maintenance. Some cheaper properties may need a bit of work, so it’s smart to plan ahead. For more information, read about the eight hidden costs of buying a home.
3. Is a fixer-upper a good idea in cheaper areas?
A fixer-upper in a place like Kawerau or Grey District could be a fantastic way to build equity, but make sure you have a clear budget for repairs. Some properties are affordable because they need TLC, so factor that in. See our guide on renovating to sell.
4. What’s the difference between ‘cheapest’ and ‘median’ prices?
If you lined every property in New Zealand up from cheapest to most expensive, the median would be the one in the middle. On the other hand, the “cheapest” regions offer homes at the lowest prices available in NZ right now, giving you a solid idea of budget-friendly areas.
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