Moving to Singapore from New Zealand: Seasons Expat Guide | Homejourney

Moving to Singapore from New Zealand: Quick Overview

If you are planning moving to Singapore from New Zealand, the best time to make the move is usually outside New Zealand’s peak summer (December–February) and Singapore’s year-end hiring lull, so aim for March–May or August–October when both job markets and flight availability are more favourable. As you plan the best time to visit New Zealand (NZ) and Singapore back and forth, understanding NZ seasons, New Zealand weather and the best time to travel NZ will also help you decide when to wind down in New Zealand and ramp up your relocation to Singapore.

This article is a focused cluster guide that plugs into Homejourney’s main expat pillar (Moving to Singapore Expat Guide) Moving to Singapore from Visit Route: Expat Guide | Homejourney . Here we look specifically at Kiwis and New Zealand-based expats: how your four distinct NZ seasons translate into life in seasonless, tropical Singapore, and what that means for visas, housing, budgets and long-term property plans.

1. Life in New Zealand vs Singapore: Seasons, Lifestyle & Why Kiwis Move

If you understand when to visit NZ—for example, summer (Dec–Feb) for beaches or winter (Jun–Aug) for ski trips to Queenstown—you already think in seasons. New Zealand weather is cool-temperate, with crisp winters and mild, often pleasant summers. In contrast, Singapore is hot and humid all year (around 26–33°C), with no true seasons—only wetter and slightly drier months.

Many New Zealanders and NZ-based expats consider Singapore for three main reasons: stronger regional job opportunities (especially finance, tech and logistics), proximity to broader Asia, and the city’s reputation for safety, cleanliness and efficient public transport.[4][6] Singapore also offers a hub for investors who want exposure to Asian real estate and capital markets while maintaining an easy flight back to Auckland or Christchurch.

There are similarities. Both countries rank highly for safety, political stability and strong rule of law.[4][8] English is widely used in both (English is one of Singapore’s official languages), so you can handle contracts, HDB or URA regulations, and banking with ease. But lifestyle pacing is different: New Zealand offers space, nature and four seasons; Singapore offers dense urban convenience, late-night dining, 24/7 public transport options and a more intense work rhythm.

2. Choosing Your Move Date: NZ Seasons vs Singapore Reality

Because this cluster speaks to travellers searching the best time to visit New Zealand: seasons, it helps to align that with your move timeline. Here is a simple rule of thumb if you are timing a relocation from New Zealand to Singapore:

Summer in NZ (Dec–Feb): Peak holiday and travel period. Good if you want a final summer with family, but flights can be pricier and Singapore hiring often slows in late December.
Autumn in NZ (Mar–May): One of the best windows to relocate. NZ tourism eases, flights are often cheaper, and Singapore’s hiring picks up after Chinese New Year.
Winter in NZ (Jun–Aug): Popular for people who want one last ski season before moving. In Singapore, this coincides with mid-year performance reviews and some role rotations.
Spring in NZ (Sep–Nov): Another strong window, especially September–October, before Singapore’s year-end slowdown and New Zealand’s December travel rush.

From experience working with Kiwi clients, many target March–May or August–October so they can enjoy one last peak New Zealand season (summer or ski) and then arrive in Singapore when companies are actively hiring and rental choice is wider.

3. Relocating to Singapore: Visas, Work & Cost of Living

3.1 Visa and Work Permit Options

Singapore does not offer special visas specifically for New Zealand citizens, so you will generally enter on the same work pass schemes as other foreigners. Common routes include the Employment Pass (EP) for professionals, S Pass for mid-skilled staff, EntrePass for entrepreneurs and ONE Pass for top global talent.[2][7][8] Your employer usually sponsors and applies via the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

If you are exploring before committing, you can visit Singapore visa-free for short stays as a New Zealand citizen (subject to the latest ICA rules; always verify on the official Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website). Use that trip to preview neighbourhoods, tour condos via Homejourney’s property search tool Property Search , and speak to employers or recruiters.

3.2 Employment Opportunities for New Zealanders

Kiwis commonly work in Singapore in sectors such as banking, trade, aviation, tech, construction management, hospitality and education.[4][7] If you already work for a global firm in Auckland or Wellington, explore internal transfers to Singapore—HR teams know the visa process well, which reduces risk.

Your move timing can align with your industry’s hiring cycle. For example, banking and consulting roles often ramp up after bonus season (around February–April), while education roles follow the academic year starting in January or August. Discuss with your employer how your departure ties into New Zealand’s seasonal workflows so you leave after key projects close.

3.3 Cost of Living: New Zealand vs Singapore

Singapore’s housing can feel expensive if you are used to renting a house in Hamilton or Dunedin, but daily essentials (public transport, hawker food) can be competitive with big-city New Zealand. According to multiple expat cost-of-living comparisons, groceries and cars are often more expensive in Singapore, while public transport and some dining options are cheaper.[4][6][8]

As of 2025, Homejourney data shows that a modern two-bedroom condo near an MRT in areas like Queenstown or Paya Lebar might rent for SGD 3,800–5,000 per month, whereas central CBD-adjacent districts such as Tanjong Pagar or Orchard can command higher rents. For the latest rental trends, Homejourney’s projects directory aggregates live market data and project-level analysis Projects Directory .[1]

4. Property in Singapore for New Zealand Expats

4.1 What Foreigners Can Buy

Under the Residential Property Act, most foreigners (including New Zealanders) can freely purchase private condominiums and apartments, but face significant restrictions on buying landed houses or HDB flats unless they obtain Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) status and meet specific criteria.[2][6] HDB resale flats are generally reserved for Singapore citizens and, in limited cases, PR households.

4.2 ABSD for New Zealand Citizens

As of 2025, Homejourney’s Singapore expat guide notes that ABSD (Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty) for foreigners is 60% of the property price or market value, whichever is higher.[1] This applies to most non-citizen, non-PR buyers, including New Zealanders, unless an exemption applies under specific free trade or international agreements; you should always confirm the latest IRAS rules or seek legal advice before signing an Option to Purchase.

For example, on a SGD 2 million condo, a foreign buyer may pay around SGD 400,000 Buyer’s Stamp Duty plus SGD 1.2 million in ABSD at 60%, on top of legal fees and other costs.[1] This is why many new arrivals start by renting, then reassess buying if they secure PR or plan to stay long-term. Use Homejourney’s bank rates and mortgage-rates tools to model your financing and stress-test different scenarios Bank Rates Mortgage Rates .

4.3 Popular Neighbourhoods for New Zealanders

Based on our work with Kiwi clients and broader expat surveys, New Zealanders tend to prefer areas with greenery, good schools and easy access to outdoors-style activities:

East Coast / Katong – Coastal vibe, running and cycling along East Coast Park, many family-friendly condos, and good access to the CBD via the Thomson-East Coast Line.[3]
Holland Village / Bukit Timah – Leafy, low-rise feel with easy access to international schools and nature reserves, popular with families.[3]
River Valley / Orchard – Central and convenient with higher-end condos, suitable for professionals who value short commutes and nightlife.[1][3]
Queenstown / Alexandra / Redhill – City-fringe, slightly more affordable than Orchard, with new integrated developments and strong MRT access.

To explore properties in these neighbourhoods safely, use Homejourney’s verified property search