[moppet]

Hi everyone

I've read lots of posts and researched online but would appreciate some help from people who've been through the process.

When buying property what are the main differences between UK property and NZ property for example lack of central heating, insulation etc.

Can you buy a good solid well made warm home for 500k – 600k we would be looking to be within a 45 minute drive of Auckland Airport and would love to be near the water or a place to take nice walks if possible.

Prices are obviously over inflated and there appears to be lots of property on the market.
Would it be acceptable to offer a large amount less than the asking price or do people generally expect to get what there asking for there property?

Any advise tips of good agents and ones to avoid would be great along with any advise in general from your own buying experiences.

Thanks guys

[willsken]

We don't live near Auckland so I can't say about the prices. I will say look for something insulated or make sure it's part of the budget when buying a house. I can't say strongly enough the difference it makes in feelings of comfort and well being. We also had an offer accepted on the house we bought for quite a few thousand less than the asking price. It will depend on how long it's been on the market and how quickly the vendors want to sell.

[Angelonthemove]

We bought a house with no heating and no double glazine. with 2 new all singing dancing heat pumps (air cons) its fabulously warm and cosy. It has got good roof insulations, we plan to do hte floor as well as we feelits not adiquate.

I would worry more about location location as you can't move it once you are in it. Well some do here move a whole house n alorry. Just have a budget for changes.

Just as willsken said you can offer below they may say yes and they may say no. Ours we went in 10k below what we were happy to pay (it was a bid not a fixed price )and worked our way up and met where we were both happy. I was surprised to hear from those at work that you go up in $500 not whole $1000/5k like we do in the UK. Took a while though at that little rate. I think its strange way.

[moppet]

Thanks guys

great info and much appreciated