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coyotewildwomen
31st January 2005, 12:52 PM
Hi,

We may be interested in buying some land and would love to have some view of the water. However, the prices of Sumner are a bit steep for us to consider, at this point. We will hold our breath to see if prices come down. We are coming down to the wire, and just got "decision successful" so it is coming time to make our plans to explore where we want to settle down. We may well rent for a bit, but want to start our research now so we know where to buy when prices come down. We also want to know where to rent so we can get a better feel for the area.

We spoke with a friend of ours who is a Kiwi in the property industry. He is certain prices will come down, and says this has happened before, it is just a matter of when. So we intend to be patient- but vigilant.

Does anyone know of any other areas that might be an option. We have no kids with us, they are in boarding school, here- so that is not an option. We may also be open to Waiheke ( still pricey), Bay of Plenty or North of Auckland in the Bay of Islands or ????. Hawke's Bay is even an option since we love wine.

Any suggestions of places you have discovered in your travels? We don't want to be so remote that we feel out of touch with the community but a smaller town would be great. We also need to have internet ( high speed) so that may be a bigger issue.

Also we may want to build a custom house based on the "Not so big house by Susanka" concept of smaller home but great design, wonderful finishes and top notch craftspersonship. Is it impossible to get craftspeople in NZ given it seems they have all left for greener pastures? Do you know anyone who is good?

What should we be looking at in land prices, we don't need much and a steep lot would be fine. We are seeing $300 k plus and above for unimproved small lots with minimal views, which seems really steep, even at Colorado prices. :no

Thanks for any suggestions,

Wendy

Moorf
31st January 2005, 08:43 PM
Hi Wendy,

What amenities do you want around you?

The Harbourside area is lovely - not many beaches but great hill and sea views... check out Harbourside settlements such as Cass Bay, Charteris Bay, Church Bay, Governors Bay.. BUT these areas are not well equipped with shops etc (if at all!). However, Governors Bay is only 15/20 mins from city centre. There is land in Church Bay and surrounding area for sale at approx $150k+.

I did see a rental in Charteris Bay... if you go to http://www.min-seascapeproperty.co.nz and look at property ID: 225491 - good price too!

Or there is the Southshore area of Brighton - out on a sandy spit - very nice there. Or North Brighton - or perhaps up further north near Woodend?

Moorf

coyotewildwomen
1st February 2005, 01:05 AM
Thanks Moorf!

Where did you end up buying land? Did you pick a builder yet or are you still shopping? I will take a look at these areas as well.

Wendy

Moorf
1st February 2005, 07:44 AM
Wendy

We ended up buying a house in Diamond Harbour. We may go down the "build our own" in the future but felt that in the early days we'd prefer to buy a home.

Moorf

coyotewildwomen
1st February 2005, 01:54 PM
Congrats on the new house! How far is Diamond Harbour from CC?
From Sumner? Still getting to know the area.

Thanks,

Wendy

Moorf
1st February 2005, 02:03 PM
Took hubby 45 mins to drive from Chch to Diamond Harbour after leaving work at 5.15pm. Great drive too, especially in his Mini!! :laugh

From Sumner the drive is approx the same, although you could take the ferry which leaves regularly from Lyttleton and goes to the wharf at Diamond Harbour! If coming from D/Harbour to Lyttleton you will find the bus waiting at the Lyttleton side which takes you directly into Chch town centre!

We have considered leaving a car in Lyttleton so that hubby can get the ferry in the morning then drive into Chch... :nice1

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