In the late 1950s the Rationalist Association began looking for a property to buy as a base. In 1960, following years of careful saving and some generous bequests, the association had around £6,000 (almost $270,000 in 2017 terms). They called for more donations, raised a mortgage and bought 64 Symonds Street, Auckland, for around twice this amount, renaming it Rationalist House. The purchase was a milestone in the association's history, and in 1997 Rationalist House was listed as a heritage building by the Auckland City Council.