Stephen Jones

We have worked out our budget and are looking at 3-bed houses up to $450k in/around Auckland. What areas should we be looking at?

Steve

MrsFychan

best bet is to check out trademe and just put in Auckland, 3 bed and price range and see what comes up. then probably you will have to ask on here about the area that any house falls into

Stephen Jones

Thanks Mrs F.

Steve

westie1234

Depending on work location, I would look at Pukekohe.

Glen Eden at a stretch.

A Rush And A Push

Where will you be working? Auckland is very spread out.

450K doesn't go very far in Auckland these days, I'm afraid. Even 3 or 4 years ago your options would have been much greater. Knowing your work location could help us with recommendations.

Bo-Jangles

Really Stephen, you surprise me that you've not really taken on board the housing situation - $450k and nice house don't belong in the same sentence - this is Auckland you're talking about?

$450k goes absolutely nowhere, it will not buy you a nice house in a nice area - at best you could expect a real old dunger that needs bowling / or a lot of work. There's absolutely stuff all in that price range that would be in a desirable parts of town. You'll be looking at areas such as Manurewa, Otahuhu, Mangere, Henderson and Massey; places where you most probably would not want to live.

MrsFychan

what deposit will you be putting down?

jmh

I have seen a few properties in that price range but it will make a big difference in what's available if you can go up to $550,000. You will need to consider some of the less popular areas but locals know that there are some desirable parts worth looking at even in places like Manurewa. You have to be patient and dig out local knowledge to find them. I suggest you don't make any decisions until you have rented for a year and got a feel for the place. You may find you want to move to another area and get more bang for your buck, once you have residency.

I agree with the suggestion of Pukekohe. Further out are Pokeno and Tuakau which are well within your price range for a decent house. You could consider commuting from there if you were working on the southern side of Auckland.

Bo-Jangles

You can play around on here for some info and descriptions on most of Auckland's Suburbs

The Weezer

I just had a very thorough look at this guide, only to discover my suburb is not even included, despite the fact that I live only 19 km from the CBD. I wonder how many other suburbs were left out.

I looked at Trade Me for homes in Auckland. There are some houses for around $450K, but they are very small, have no land, or are in grungy areas like Mt. Wellington. I didn't have a look at Manukau, where there will probably be a larger number of houses at that price, but again, they'll be in grungy areas with schools that you may not want your children to attend.

None of the houses I saw would be particularly comfortable, as they all very likely lacked good insulation and sufficient heating.

I'd imagine renting would be a good idea until you had a good look around and made up your own mind, as jmh suggested.

davros1984

ARGH! If there ever was a face palm moment for me on this forum, it is this thread....

Please please do some research on here prior to starting a thread on the same old topic.

You will need a minimum of 700-800K to have a chance of buying a "nice" house for that money, but if it goes for auction expect it to be more in the 1.2 million mark. Welcome to Auckland.

Have a look at some of these threads:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/new-z...se-oct-806663/
http://britishexpats.com/forum/new-z...-810069/page2/
http://britishexpats.com/forum/new-z.../#post11090633
http://britishexpats.com/forum/new-z...o-back-790105/

Assanah

Average house prices in Auckland are about $670000. If you are going for 450000 which is about 30% less then the average price finding a nice house in a nice neighborhood with short commutes will be difficult. How about moving somewhere else in NZ? Would that be a possibility for you? I know a few people who left Auckland or are thinking about leaving because Auckland is too expensive. 450000 will buy you are very nice house in most parts of NZ.

bearskin

Was going to type out a reply, but have just seen this, which sums up thoughts about why it may be better to rent in a nice area and buy something you can afford elsewhere as an investment, and says what I would've said:

Going long distance for first home - Business - NZ Herald News

davros1984

Totally disgusting really, all they are going to do is ruin Hamilton and make it vastly unaffordable.

Ex Aucklander

Forget Auckland, consider Napier in Hawkes Bay. Better climate, lovely place & look what your $ will buy. These are just a few examples all in good areas, not far from town & 10 minutes drive & you are in the country with masses of vineyards, farms, beaches, glorious walk along the coastal pathways.
We have hospital, good schools etc.

Napier Family home | Trade Me Property

Modern & stylish | Trade Me Property

Magnificent Family Home | Trade Me Property

Brand New House for Sale in Te Awa, Napier | Trade Me Property

Brand New House for Sale in Te Awa, Napier | Trade Me Property

or Havelock North 25 minutes drive from Napier
PRICE REDUCED!!! GREAT VALUE IN A GREAT LOCATION! | Trade Me Property

Large private home surrounded by nature | Trade Me Property
Duart Home Plus Income | Trade Me Property

SPACIOUS - 3 bedroom 2 bathroom in Simla ! | Trade Me Property