You may need a bit of DIY and determination, but all these properties offer the chance to step onto the property ladder
The search for a first home may seem elusive in the main centres but spread the net a bit wider and there are still some great opportunities to be had.
Some properties require a bit of work and imagination, but all offer the opportunity to move into a home of your own. Here’s our pick of properties priced under $350,000 in the North Island.
1. Bring your imagination
With just over 3ha of land this Kerikeri property offers so many options for those wanting to embrace the good life. The current dwelling isn’t consented but is still very liveable and all set up for a green lifestyle with a compost toilet, solar power and two water tanks.
There’s a wood burner for chilly evenings and a sleep out for extra accommodation.
Check out the building site with great views and dream of what you could create with some hard work and imagination.
$329,000
2. Just chill out
This little cottage in Taupo is leasehold but offers a place to chill near the lake for a keen price.
A little TLC would bring out the charm of this batch which has the bonus of four bedrooms and a very workable kitchen.
Relax on the spacious covered deck and enjoy the leafy surrounds while you stoke up the barbie.
Asking Price $199,000
3. Comfy living
This modest Tokoroa house has had some work done to make it a very comfortable home — a log burner, insulation and double glazing will make winter evenings cosy.
The updated bathroom and revamped kitchen mean daily practicalities are well taken care of.
Covered decking catches westerly sun and views and there’s a fully fenced section with shed and plenty of room for the kids to play.
$259,000
4. Potential plus
This Rotorua property just needs a bit of smartening up to realise its potential. Hobbyists will love the large double garage and it’s on a huge level section which could be subdivided.
Inside there’s a spacious lounge with fireplace and three bedrooms. Add some inviting touches and this could become a very welcoming home with plenty of further options for development.
$340,000
5. Bank slate
This Gisborne ex-Stater hasn’t been presented well but don’t let that put you off. View it as a blank slate and you’ll see there’s plenty to like about the solid three bedder with a large lounge with fireplace, eat-in kitchen and separate laundry.
Great buying for someone who’s not afraid of some cosmetic work inside and a flair for landscaping to make the most of the section.
$245,000
6. Put a shine on it
Neat and tidy this Wairoa house will really shine with a bit of a makeover. The generous living-dining area has a fireplace and plenty of windows which will flood it with light.
The kitchen and bathroom could do with an update but are very useable as is. A real plus is the large level section with raised vegie garden which is perfect for the kids to play.
There’s also a double garage with plenty of space for hobbyists to do their thing.
$249,000
7. Ticks all the boxes
You can just move in and make yourself at home in this spacious, well-maintained Hawera home. The smart kitchen flows to the dining and living area and there’s plenty of room for all the family with four double bedrooms.
Outside there’s a lovely deck where you can relax and watch the children play on the back lawn. Add a double garage and plenty of off-street parking and all the boxes have been ticked.
Enquiries Over $349,000
8. A big project
This is not a project for the faint-hearted but those not afraid of some serious hard work will be rewarded when they breathe new life into this tired old Waverley villa.
There are plenty of original character features like the pressed metal and board and batten ceilings, ornate fireplace, feature bay windows, hard wood floors and fabulous big rooms with high studs.
You can install the kitchen and bathroom of your dreams and enjoy living in an elegant home. The whopping 1454m2 site with four-bay shed is also just waiting for a magic touch.
Price by Negotiation over $145,000
9. Summer entertainer
Move in and enjoy summer entertaining by the pool or have friends for a barbecue on the back deck. This Wanganui home offers so much flexible family living with the large open plan kitchen and dining room plus a separate lounge.
With three double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, smart bathroom and separate toilet and the convenience of a laundry everything has been catered for.
This attractive property offers so much to first-home buyers without breaking the budget.
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