Is Calgary the affordable option for New Zealand home buyers?

Enjoy the Auckland lifestyle but not the ever-climbing house prices? Then try Calgary!

According to traveller endorsement data released by Booking.com, the Canadian city most closely replicates all that the City of Sales has to offer, but without the hefty price tag.

Using genuine guest review data, the online travel agent was able to see that review scores for Auckland most closely matched those of Calgary. Both cities received similar endorsement scores for their food, nightlife, landscape and culture.

While the impossibly high house prices of Auckland have been well documented, it seems Calgary has been keeping a steady and affordable market.

Auckland’s average house price reached an all-time high of $968,570[1] in March, with those properties selling for over $1 million now accounting for 41% of sales. Calgary house prices were little over half of this, with the average price sitting at $521,6702 NZD.

So, what will $1million NZD get you in both locations? A two-bedroom 1920’s bungalow in Devonport recently sold for $1.18 million. Whereas, for an asking price of $936,757 NZD, a five bedroom, five bathroom, three-storey house with a large garden, balcony and wet-bar is available to buy in Calgary.

“Our data has shown that for the same reasons people love Auckland, they love Calgary. On that basis, if you were looking to move abroad, but didn’t want to give up on your favorite things about Auckland, Calgary could be a good bet. And based on the price of housing, you may end up with the best of both worlds,” said Luke Ashall, Booking.com’s New Zealand Country Manager.

“However, before you do take the leap, the best way to see if Calgary is right for you would be to take a holiday there and immerse yourself in the culture.

And even if you then decide it’s not right for you, a holiday and the chance to experience something new for the first time is a welcomed treat.”

For anyone considering the move, there are some differences to take in to account. For one, Calgary doesn’t offer the same closeness to the ocean as Auckland, although there are plenty of lakes to compensate. The Calgary Winter is not for the faint hearted either, with temperatures sometimes dropping to -30°C.

CONTACT DETAILS

For further information, contact the Booking.com New Zealand Press Office;

charlottec@thisismango.co.nz / 021 027 01136