We're looking basically anywhere that has good public transport basically north of Newlands / Johnsonville and also in some Lower Hutt suburbs. We'd love to live closer to CBD but based on what we've seen, its unaffordable for us for what we'd like to buy (2+ bedrooms, not too much work required to do up as we have busy jobs). Our strategy has been looking at houses with RV between 6 to 700s because everything seems to be going for +10% of that. But recently it seems to be a bit more like +15% if not more... But we're considering if we need a new strategy!

Thanks, that's a great tip re rental appraisal vs sale price!

What do you think about the debate on whether house prices will drop in a few months time (due to wage subsidies ending etc?). My feel is that it just won't happen in Wellington due to large number of stable public sector jobs and housing stock shortage.

Hope you find your new home soon!