AA Insurance Location, Location, Location NZ, episode eight recap
We’ve arrived at the finale of AA Insurance Location, Location Location NZ, which is going to leave a large, house-shaped hole in our Sunday nights, as well as a depressing lack of Dad jokes.
In this penultimate episode, we follow the journey of two young newlyweds that Jayne is helping into their first home in Kirikiriroa, while Paul searches for a place for a mum and her three adult kids to embark on a fresh start in Tamaki Makaurau.
Party of four
Start your property search
Newly separated Rachel is looking for a home base now and in the future for herself and children, Brandon, 27, Kaitlyn, 20 and Jack, 18. They’ve been on the hunt for seven months, with desperation starting to kick in.
They’re looking in the central suburbs for a four-bedroom place with two bathrooms (ideally) and Kaitlyn feels she’s earned the biggest room after attending the most open homes. Paul joins Rachel, Kaitlyn and Jack for a debrief, and Jack is suitably chastised for his lack of effort in the search thus far. Paul gives him a rev up, “you need to step up your game, buddy, you’ll be seeing more open homes in the next few days than you’ve seen in seven months. Buckle up.”
Paul gives Rachel, Kaitlyn, and Jack the whirlwind tour. Photo / Supplied
There’s also talk of finding somewhere that allows a little bit of separation for Brandon, as he is potentially going in on the mortgage with Rachel. She can work to a budget of $1m but any higher, Brandon’s getting the call, so they can go to $1.1m.
First, it’s off to Mangere Bridge – close to the airport where Rachel works – for a three-bedroom bungalow with fabulous outdoor flow and a bonus room off the garage for Brandon. While it’s a winner and one of the nicest homes they’ve seen all year, it’s a bit too far out of Auckland.
Next, it’s off to the central west for a classic 1960s home tucked down a quiet driveway in Lynfield. Rachel is a little bit put off by the power pylon, “I don’t know what you’re talking about – free wireless charging,” jokes Paul, and the layout and proportions also just aren’t quite what the family are after.
Paul’s lucky charm, Jayne, is here to sprinkle her stardust over the third and final property in Waterview. The kitchen and its island earn Paul a high-five from Kaitlyn, and the separate sleepout is so nice, it’s got Rachel considering moving in here herself and leaving the kids to it in the main house.
Sadly, Rachel’s budget didn’t stretch to secure the family property three, so the search continues.
Best of the nest
Sweethearts Gemma and Taine are looking to put down roots in Hamilton. They tied the knot 18 months ago, which meant the other man in Gemma’s life – Simon the dog –had to go. “He barks too much, and he stinks.”
They’re incredibly whanau-focussed, with both sets of family nearby, so are looking for a home on the east side of the Waikato River, which would allow them to enjoy their regular dinners and catch-ups. “Oh really? We were hoping you’d be over the bridge!” jokes one of the Nanas. Taine says they’ve got a firm life plan in place - house, dog (Gemma’s eyes light up) and kids.
Hamilton house-hunters Gemma and Taine. Photo / Supplied
Taine is a kitchen joiner, so he would love to build passionate cook Gemma her dream kitchen. “That’s a good reason to marry him,” points out Jayne. The self-confessed fusspots are also keen on a three-bedroom home with brick construction, a separate laundry, a garage and a decent yard. They’re working with a budget of $650k.
First up its off to a charming bungalow that’s “brimming with history and character”, which is code for “hasn’t been touched since it was built in the 50s”. However, the savvy couple can appreciate the great bones and excellent potential.
Next up, it’s across the city for property two – a cool mid-century home that’s had a chic makeover. Taine and Gemma love the space and style, but the backyard is all concrete and won’t work for their future dogs.
Paul is waiting for the troops at the final property, a classic bungalow with great character and a good-looking garage.
Taine and Gemma put an offer on property one, which sadly wasn’t accepted, but in a happy twist, they ended up buying a brick house with a garage on the same street. Oh, and adopted a new pup called Sunny.
Fashion watch
It’s a double denim moment for Taine and Gemma as they meet Jayne – a vision in burgundy – to talk through their property options.
Lines of the Week
Jack gushes over property one: “It’s much better than the last one I went to!”
“I’m surprised you remember the last one you went to,” responds Paul.
After congratulating Paul on a job well done, the Inghams come up with a new career tagline for their real estate godfather. “Better call Paul!” they chorus.
- AA Insurance Location, Location, Location NZ appears on TVNZ 1 at 7.30pm on Sundays and on TVNZ+
