[Going2NZ]

what a "lifestyle" property is?

Susan

[Beach Kiwi]

It's a rural, or semi rural property of up to 10 acres (usually). Some 'lifestylers' have a few sheep, or other livestock, or some kind of agricultural concern on their block, as well.

They're usually bought by people wanting to *not* quite get away from it all. :mrgreen:

[Going2NZ]

Thanks Beach Kiwi-

That helps. I couldn't tell from the property listing although I did notice that they had some land included.

Susan

[veronica]

I think the term Lifestyle is a bit more elastic on the land area round Christchurch as it seems to cover property from a couple of acres up.

[Moorf]

I think I read somewhere that non-residents are unable to buy over a certain amount of acres... can anyone confirm this? :?

[veronica]

there is a limit of I think either 5 acres or 5 hectares forgotten which one it is, but there is definately a limit.

[Moorf]

It's always the way, when I post I can't find something I then go and find it! :roll:

Here it is:

As a non-resident, a person may buy property in New Zealand up to 1.25 hectares in area size. Over that size, Overseas Investment Commission approval must be obtained, before the purchase will be allowed. As a New Zealand resident, there are no restrictions on property purchases. Please note that the owning of property as an overseas citizen, does not entitle the owner to any exemptions for meeting residence policy. On its own, ownership of land in New Zealand does not qualify a person for residence.

Source: http://www.malcolmpacific.co.nz/faq2.html (bottom of page).

[Beach Kiwi]

I think the term Lifestyle is a bit more elastic on the land area round Christchurch as it seems to cover property from a couple of acres up.

I did say "up to 10 acres". ;) :mrgreen:

But 10 acres does tend to be the upper limit in most cases, as properties over that size tend to be called farms. :mrgreen:

[Moorf]

Yep BK, I realised that.. just that thought of size lurking in my head... wanted confirmation... :nice1

[Diny]

Lifestyle .......... what I'd call a 'hobby farm'.

Diny

[ruthyroo]

Also known as the first step towards residential development in rural areas among planners i.e. farm gets divided up into lifestyle blocks, each gets a house built on it, some years later half the lifestylers realise they can't make ends meet growing crocus stamens or angora goats, and decide to sell off a couple of sections for people who want to live in the country and have a big garden, without all the hassle of earning a living there... before you know it there's a wee suburb and the city is that bit bigger. And it's virtually impossible to go back once you've concreted over the fields...

Boo lifestyle plots and hippy / hobby farmers :P ! (no offence to any lifestylers on here!!)

[Going2NZ]

Ruthyroo-

I understand your point of view - its usually referred to as "urban sprawl" here. Although truthfully it tends to be be more "suburban sprawl" with lots of cheap houses packed so close you could ask your neighbor to pass the salt while sitting at your own dining table.

I'm not the hobby kind anyhow. I just want someplace where my dogs can run and play without annoying the neighbors - no delusions of farming - so the idea is appealing in that sense. I imagine if someone sub-devided their land responsibly it could really enhance rather than detract. Too bad if that isn't typical.

Susan

[veronica]

You get more people, you need more houses. It just has to happen.

[leslie]

'lifestyle' is what i'd call 'goodbye weekend'...