With house values on a massive growth trajectory, Kawerau is outperforming many big hubs around the country. Here is our pick of homes for sale right now
Kawerau has long been considered a bit of a backwater in the booming Bay of Plenty market but new statistics reveal it’s on a winning streak and has out-performed all other areas, including both Auckland and Queenstown, in terms of growth over the past decade.
House values have leapt a massive 125% over the past 10 years — compared to 120% in Auckland, and 94% in Queenstown — up from $115,911 to $261,145 in the period. This means it’s still within reach of first home buyers and offers a great alternative base for retirees.
Built in 1953 to service the paper mill, Kawerau is the youngest town in New Zealand and has had a bit of a bad rap in the past. But things are changing and people are realising its central location – close to both Whakatane and Rotorua and only an hour from Tauranga – offers lots of potential. Added to that its proximity to the Tarawera River, beaches, thermal areas and great bush trails and there’s lots to like about the district. Here’s our pick of houses on the market:
1. Family favourite
Solid as they come, this brick suntrap is great value for money. The light living room opens to a verandah and has a fireplace for cosy winter evenings.
The fresh kitchen has lots of bench space and a dining nook with French doors that open to a second patio. This is the perfect spot for families with three generous bedrooms, separate laundry and a double garage taking care of the demands of everyday living. The level site is fully fenced.
2. Makeover magic
There’s nothing to do but move in and enjoy your life in this lovely three-bedroom home that’s had a serious makeover. A renovated kitchen and bathroom bring it right up to the minute.
New carpets and vinyl flooring throughout and a fresh neutral colour scheme ensure its ready for you to put your personal touch on your new home.
The living area opens to a covered terrace and the large level section could be a real drawcard with some landscaping.
3. Flexible living
This sweetie has lovely views of Putuaki mountain and a wonderful level garden. Sure the bathroom, kitchen and décor need updating but at this price, you’ll have plenty left in the kitty to put your own stamp on your new home.
The kitchen and dining area opens through internal French doors to the living room, offering plenty of flexible living space.
Add to that four good-sized bedrooms, a separate laundry and two heat pumps and you’ve got all the practical issues sorted. The present owners have been living here happily for 59 years and it’s not hard to see why.
4. TLC needed
There’s plenty of opportunity to add value to this tidy three-bedroom home. The sheltered deck which flows from the living area will be perfect for barbecues with a bit of a spruce up, and the floor plan is ideal for modern living.
The fireplace and polished wooden floors in the living area add plenty of character and the bedrooms will be quickly transformed with new drapes and light fittings.
The garden needs some TLC but is level and perfect for the kids’ games. All this at a keen price close to town.
5. Country charm
The stylish country kitchen with pantry and all the mod cons and open plan living is a real drawcard in this spacious home. A formal dining room adds extra options and the generous lounge opens to an inviting deck and paved patio area.
The master bedroom has an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe and the other two bedrooms are a generous size.
Add to all this a workshop, undercover parking for three cars and a storage shed and you have an extremely versatile, well-maintained home.
6. Room to grow
This three-bedroom home borrows a wonderful leafy outlook from the neighbouring reserve. Everything is neat and tidy in the compact floor plan, and the living area opens to a covered verandah that will be great place to sit and relax at the end of the day.
An attached garage has been converted into extra living space, complete with ranch slider, and a new double garage has been built at the back.
The whopping 957m2 site offers plenty of options for those who might want to expand in the future.
7. Great entertainer
Sit out on the wide covered deck of this home and relax knowing that the kids can play safely in the fully fenced, generous garden. You’re all set up for entertaining in the renovated kitchen with smart black-tiled splashback and good flow to the dining and living area.
Two bedrooms under the eaves upstairs have a bathroom, and downstairs another two bedrooms have been converted to media and hobby rooms but offer the extra space if you need it.
There’s a double garage and plenty of off-street parking.
Words by: Sarah Beresford.
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