The quintessential Kiwi dream, a bach near the beach, might be more “affordable” than you think — if you’re flexible on location.
Northland is an excellent option, particularly for Aucklanders seeking a lifestyle change. If dramatic sunsets and surfing are your thing, in Ahipara you can pick up land in new subdivisions just back from the beach for around $100,000. For $250,000, you can buy land on an elevated site with views down the bay and up 90 Mile Beach (Te-Oneroa-a-Tōhē).
Fancy the East Coast? Try Tokerau Beach on the southern side of the Karikari Peninsula, where baches just back from the beach are under $400,000. Or try Baylys Beach in the Kaipara district, where you’ll find land in a “sunset” subdivision for under $150,000 and older baches for up to $400,000.
Heading to the north-east, the Ōpōtiki to Te Kaha coast has sublime beaches among pohutukawa trees, if you can handle the winding road. Properties with an average-sized section and a 100sq m dwelling are still selling from around $390,000.
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For those based in the Capital, consider the west coast. The Kapiti Coast, with the expressway complete and Transmission Gully due to cut down commuting times, is an obvious option. A little further north, Foxton Beach really does stand out with modest 1950s baches going for as low as $200,000.
Crossing Cook Strait into Nelson, understandably the world-class beaches and lifestyle push values up. Locations at the “cheaper” end of the scale include Mārahau, near Kaiteriteri. Smaller beach side settlements in Golden Bay — such as Ligar Bay, Pōhara and Tata Beach — are other options.
Waterfront properties in the Marlborough Sounds with boat-only access among rocky cliff faces, are available for under $300,000. For properties with better access, you’re best to consider Moenui and Moetapu Bays, or even Rārangi.
Moving south to the Garden City, a modest house in the coastal suburb of New Brighton or Southshore for example, will cost around $375,000. It’s a great place for first home buyers or young families.
Finally, the Deep South. Riverton, a popular town within a short commute of Invercargill, offers baches with sea views for in between $300,000-$500,000. This can be a great alternative to Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago markets.
Rory Milne is communications manager for QV
