There is a lot of property for sale right now, but which listing suits you best? OneRoof’s Buyers' Club series brings you the best in New Zealand real estate, from affordable starter homes to luxury mansions. We’ll highlight a range of homes from around the country that are worth your attention.
For most Kiwis, $300,000 is a life-changing sum, but in the New Zealand housing market, it feels more like loose change. In fact, it might only cover your deposit in Auckland or Queenstown-Lakes.
To find a home for around the $300,000 mark is a hard ask in the current market, but not impossible. If you want something that hasn’t been condemned or likely to end in a heart attack, you’ll need to turn your sights to small-town New Zealand. You’ll also need to factor in a bit of a renovation, if not right away, then perhaps sometime in the future. Solid homes with good bones on a generous section are out there at an affordable price, and with a bit of vision and patience, they can become little corners of comfort.
We’ve rounded up five of the best below.
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41 Rangatira Drive, Mangakino, Taupō | Offers over $290,000
This cosy two-bedroom, one-bathroom Mangakino cottage dates back to the 1940s, but in recent years it has benefitted from a new roof and ceiling insulation. In terms of location, it’s close to the water, a golf course, cycle trails, shops and schools.
The house at 41 Rangatira Drive is in a good location and the vendors are motivated to sell. Photo / Supplied
Remax listing agent Kath Shaw says his vendors are motivated to sell and have recently lowered their price expectations. “It’s got a good land size of over 700sqm and the home itself has had some improvements done on the inside. It has a nice feel, and it’s got a wood burner. It does need a little bit of work done on the exterior, but it’s a good step on the property ladder for somebody.”
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64 Goldfinch Street, Taihape, Rangitikei | Offers over $275,000
Bayleys Manawatu agent Elisabeth Bunn is selling this classic three-bedroom, one-bathroom 1950s house, which enjoys an elevated position, gets great light and boasts views of the surrounding hills. A bonus is the large garage downstairs, which offers secure parking, generous storage and even room for a workshop.
A three-bedroom home at 64 Goldfinch Street, in Taihape, is listed as having good bones. Photo / Supplied
The property gets lots of light and is in an elevated position. Photo / Supplied
Bunn says the house sits on 1340sqm of land and has good bones, making it a fantastic choice for young families. “It’s a great starting point, and it’s got the section, so you could keep a couple of sheep, and there’s enough room to build a playground for the kids.”
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10 Christian Street, Dannevirke, Tararua | Enquiries over $285,000
This solid 1950s timber bungalow is on 1072sqm of land with two access points. It’s insulated, has three bedrooms and offers comfortable, functional living. Outside, the well-fenced section has established fruit trees and a large, covered deck for entertaining.
Property Brokers listing agent Jessica Mackay says the property has serious potential.
10 Christian Street, Dannevirke, is a solid 1950s bungalow. Photo / Supplied
The interior offers easy living with serious potential, says the listing agent. Photo / Supplied
“It’s on a nice big quarter-acre section, and with three bedrooms at that price, it’s also a good buy for investors.”
For big-city dwellers looking to simplify their lives, the location is attractive. “In Dannevirke, everything is quite handy; we’re two turns away from our destination at any given point. But this is close to town and close to school, and just up the bridge, you’ve got the high school.”
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70 High Street, Waimate, Canterbury | Price $252,000
The only four-bedroom home on the list, this Waimate weatherboard is spacious and set up for family life. In her listing, Dionne Haywood, from Red Hot Real Estate, says: “If you’re looking for a DIY project, this weatherboard home brimming with potential could be just the ticket! Nestled in a peaceful, private rear section, this spacious four-bedroom residence is an opportunity waiting for your creative touch.”
70 High Street, Waimate, is another bargain home with potential. It also has four bedrooms. Photo / Supplied
The living spaces are functional but need updating. Photo / Supplied
It’s got a double garage and plenty of outbuildings with ample storage, and is just a short stroll from town and local schools.
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2 Lake Street, Takapau, Central Hawke’s Bay | Offers over $290,000
This Hawke’s Bay property is, according to Harcourts agent Heatha Edwards, the “most affordable three-bedroom home in town”. There’s good flow to a large covered casual living area that overlooks the 809sqm back yard, which offers three garden sheds, a wood shed and a carport.
“It’s on a quiet little side street, it’s got three bedrooms, and it’s got potential,” she says.
“It’s got a great big back yard that you could go crazy and say, ‘Do I want a double garage, do I want this, do I want that?’ You’ve got room for it.
2 Lake Street, in Takapau, is billed as the most affordable three-bedroom home in town. Photo / Supplied
The property has good flow, says the listing agent. Photo / Supplied
“So you’ve got all that excitement, but wait, there’s more! The school is around the corner, there’s the Four Square, there’s the cool little health centre. So it’s not an isolated community.”
She says that makes a big difference to a lot of her clients, who are looking for a cost-effective downsizer for their retirement.
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