- 16 hours ago
Location Location Location NZ - Season 2 Episode 4
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00:01This time on AA Insurance, location, location, location.
00:05This is nice.
00:08Two couples, both ready to put down roots after very different journeys.
00:14Greek islands, the Turkish coastline, the food and the culture.
00:20We came over for a year and we're still here, eight years later.
00:24And with two very different wish lists.
00:27I would like a tree for a tree house.
00:29Okay, really like three bathrooms.
00:32We're going up a bathroom now, aren't we?
00:34I'm with a whānau from Scotland, ready to build their Kiwi future.
00:39That could be my mind, Kev.
00:40And I'm with two nautical nomads, ready to settle just as soon as they choose where to land.
00:47Some of these things we haven't talked about.
00:51But when it comes down to it, both whānau want one thing.
00:55It's a place that's going to grab our heart.
00:59This time we're in Tāmaki, Makaurau.
01:06I'm with an adventurous couple who, after sailing the world for 10 years, are ready to trade in their yacht for a lock-up and leave on dry land.
01:13And I'm helping a family that have made the move from Scotland to find their feet in the tough local property market and track down the perfect whāri to raise their growing lad.
01:22Nice.
01:23I like the idea of sailing around the world.
01:26What a life.
01:28Just blasting off wherever you want to go.
01:31It's quite terrifying at the same time, though.
01:33I watched Jaws way too many times as a child.
01:35And for me, like even taking a bath was terrifying.
01:39Just as well we're staying on dry land today.
01:42Though the property market in Tāmaki, Makaurau, Auckland can still be a bit choppy.
01:47But with prices flattening and interest rates easing, house hunters have a real shot at finding that perfect place to land.
01:56The trick is knowing your priorities, where you're willing to compromise and when you're willing to take that punt.
02:04Susan and Jim Dyer, both teachers, are originally from Scotland and their story is a classic one for many new Kiwis.
02:11We had wanted to come to New Zealand for a while.
02:17I was on maternity leave after having James.
02:19Jim was wanting a break from work.
02:23And so we came over for a year.
02:25And we're still here eight years later.
02:28They've done the hard yards, gained their citizenship.
02:31And now it's time to find somewhere permanent to call home.
02:35For them and their beloved Lab Ginny.
02:38We've moved four times.
02:40Four different rentals.
02:42So James hasn't really been able to put down roots.
02:46And we want to have that place that he can call his own.
02:49I would like to be able to hang things on the wall and just have it without rent so I can do whatever I want with it.
03:01And I think it's really just to give us a sense of permanency as well.
03:04As a family that would really bring us together, just ground us in the one place.
03:09Yep.
03:10The Dyers currently live in the East Auckland suburb of Mount Wellington.
03:16Susan, do you want a look at this one?
03:18We'd really like somewhere local to where we are.
03:22Just because James is involved in the football, we both play for the local club.
03:27James' school is local.
03:29Susan works at the same school as well.
03:31My school's local.
03:32Big garden.
03:32And also, we really like having friends over and entertaining.
03:37We're looking for somewhere where we've got a deck and some outdoor space where we can do that as well.
03:44Here, she can see you.
03:45Of course, there's a bit more on the wish list.
03:49Space for James and for the dog outside.
03:51A man cave for me.
03:53I like watching football and because it's Scottish football, it's only like three in the morning.
04:01So, it'd be nice to have somewhere quiet, that I'm not interrupting anybody else.
04:09One thing they do agree on, how to describe the property market in Aotearoa.
04:13Daunting.
04:16That's exactly the word I was about to say.
04:19Ah, there you go.
04:21It's just because it's so unknown.
04:22In Scotland, you buy a house, that's it.
04:24The land's yours, the house is yours.
04:26Whereas here, you know, it's auctions and negotiation and it's freehold and leasehold.
04:30Freehold and leasehold.
04:31Cross-lease and things.
04:33It's just a minefield.
04:36Good thing I've navigated a few property minefields before.
04:41Paul's got local knowledge.
04:42He knows the market.
04:44Ah, hello, hello.
04:46Hello.
04:46Good morning.
04:47We need help.
04:49So good to see you.
04:50And you.
04:51You too, yeah.
04:52Welcome.
04:54Well, um...
04:58You're welcome.
04:59I'm so excited because you come from one of my favourite places in the world.
05:05Oh, it's good to hear.
05:05I love Scotland.
05:08But the Scotch definitely helps.
05:09At the moment, you're living central Auckland.
05:15Mount Wellington.
05:15Yeah, Mount Wellington, right.
05:16And so in your destination postcode?
05:19Surrounding suburbs.
05:20Yeah.
05:21Ellerslie, Mount Wellington, that kind of area would be perfect.
05:24What's important about that area to you?
05:26We've not got any family here in New Zealand, so our family's really the friends that we've
05:30picked up along the way.
05:31Yeah.
05:31And that's what's really important to us.
05:34And that's why, you know, some of the requirements in the house was an entertainment area.
05:39Yeah.
05:39Deck, garden.
05:40Anything else?
05:41Well, I would like a tree for a tree house.
05:45Do you hear that, Santa?
05:47So, how much am I shopping with?
05:50Probably, we're looking 900s.
05:51Yeah.
05:53Yes, yes.
05:54If it was the perfect property, we could possibly go above that.
05:57But 9.50?
05:58I'd like a good challenge, James.
06:00Yeah.
06:00I know.
06:01I'm still holding my breath.
06:02Central Auckland.
06:02Yeah.
06:03Three bedrooms, indoor outdoor flow.
06:06Are you up for this challenge, Paul?
06:09James?
06:11Challenge accepted.
06:13We've sealed the deal.
06:14I've got to do it now, don't I?
06:15Yeah.
06:15Absolutely.
06:16Yeah.
06:17Cheers.
06:17Let's go shopping.
06:18The Dyers have a max budget of $950,000, which tightens the search in their preferred suburbs of Mount Wellington and Ellerslie.
06:28They're looking for three bedrooms and indoor-outdoor flow for entertaining.
06:35The path to finding the right home is very, really straightforward.
06:40As life moves on, so do our priorities.
06:43And what we look for in a home can change with each new chapter.
06:47For some, it's more about space.
06:50For others, less to manage.
06:52Whatever the reason, the key is knowing what matters most in the journey ahead.
06:59The tide began to turn for Lee and Larry back in 2016, when, with their two sons grown and gone,
07:06they watched holidaymakers drift by on yachts from their spacious Whangarei home.
07:11You see them all going past and you're thinking, why aren't they out there?
07:16I really enjoyed it out there.
07:19Did you bring the fishing lines?
07:21We never catch anything anyway.
07:23Oh, that's true, that's true.
07:24The couple thought they'd landed on their dream lifestyle.
07:27We built this wonderful place that we were going to retire to.
07:31When adventure called, house went on the market and we decided to go to the Met and buy a boat
07:39up in the Met and sail around up there and bring the home.
07:45It wasn't long before they were soaking up everything the Mediterranean had to offer.
07:50Greek islands, the Turkish coastline, the food and the culture.
07:54The journey home wasn't all sunshine and roses.
07:58I'll have a rock.
08:00Yet the wonders of the open ocean left them utterly spellbound.
08:04Then the dolphins come around the boat.
08:06They're just like torpedoes that are coming through the water.
08:08It was just an amazing experience.
08:12So, we'll put in two to three bedrooms and only hung up.
08:16After not one, but two epic voyages from Europe to Aotearoa
08:20and close to a decade of life at sea, Lee and Larry were ready to feel
08:24solid ground beneath their feet again.
08:28And how much are we going to spend?
08:31Well, at least for the time being.
08:34I'm probably going to go back to work full time.
08:36So, we're looking for a place for the five years or so that I go back to work.
08:41But then we also want the flexibility in the new home that we can just lock and leave
08:45and go over to Australia for our winters, perhaps, or sail up to the Pacific.
08:51It's a nice little place that's got a garden out the front.
08:55In terms of picking the perfect postcode, that's still a work in progress.
09:00Perhaps around the Onehunga, Mount Halbert kind of areas.
09:05We've got family in Papataui too, so it would be nice to be close to family.
09:08I don't want to go to Papataui.
09:12I'm sorry, I'm not going to Papataui.
09:15Some of these things we haven't talked about.
09:22With the odd difference of opinion,
09:24charting a course to the perfect vault hole for these seasoned sailors
09:27might be easier said than done.
09:30Oh, hello.
09:30Hi, guys. Nice to meet you.
09:33How are you?
09:33We need Jane's help to find us the place that's going to grab our heart.
09:41You guys have been living the dream.
09:43How amazing.
09:44It has been an incredible 10 years of sailing the seas.
09:49So the time has come where you need to put down some roots in the soil, so to speak.
09:54Somewhere we can call home.
09:55We've had a little look around, but it's pretty difficult,
09:59so that's where you come into it.
10:02What do you need for your lifestyle?
10:06At least two bedrooms.
10:08Ideally three.
10:09I'd like to set up one of the rooms as a home office.
10:13I'd like a couple of bathrooms at least.
10:16Any deal breakers that I should be aware of?
10:18Not a deal breaker, but I want an open plan centre island kitchen,
10:24so that it kind of mimics the boat a little bit.
10:27We also did guide dog puppies before we went away.
10:30Puppy walking for the blind.
10:31Awesome.
10:32Larry might get back into doing that again, so a little bit of garden, I think.
10:36It must be hard giving those puppies away.
10:38Well, no, you get another one straight away.
10:41So how much money of yours have I got to spend?
10:44Well, we're looking at around about the million, preferably down the 900.
10:49I like the but.
10:50But if something's really great, we can stretch it a little bit more.
10:55How stretchy am I stretching?
10:56I'm not very stretchy.
10:59Probably about 1.2.
11:00Oh, that's good.
11:021.2 would be.
11:03Don't worry about him.
11:05It would have to be something really special to stretch as far as 1.2.
11:09There's a lot out there in that price bracket and a lot of different properties.
11:13I think we just have to trust the process here and have an open mind.
11:17We're in your hands and looking forward to seeing what you bring for us.
11:20Time for me to find some land ahoy.
11:23Let's find something.
11:25OK, let's go.
11:27Lee and Larry are after a two to three bedroom home to call their own.
11:32They want two bathrooms, an open plan kitchen and a small outdoor area.
11:38Their budget is somewhere between 900,000 and 1.2 million.
11:43Now I just need to find a home they're both going to fall in love with.
11:53Finding the right home without blowing the budget is always a challenge.
12:00It often means rethinking your wish list and being clever about compromise.
12:06I'm helping a whanau from Scotland find their very own three bedroom slice of Kiwi paradise.
12:12And I'm guiding a pair of globe trotting adventurers who've decided it's time to drop anchor.
12:20So how are you going with your family?
12:22Oh, I'm going to be honest, Jane, I've got my work cut out.
12:25Beautiful family.
12:26Absolutely love them.
12:28They've just got their citizenship.
12:30And I've got a budget of 900,000 for a central city home.
12:34I know.
12:35Well, I've got an interesting dilemma.
12:38Great couple.
12:40Larry is kind of around the 900k mark, whereas Lee is like quite comfortable at 1.2.
12:45Oh, kind of feels like Mission Impossible really, doesn't it?
12:49Well, we'll both have to devise a cunning plan.
12:52To get these guys into the house that they want for the budget they have.
12:56That's our mission.
12:57Yes.
12:57You're going to leave now and do the Tom Cruise run?
13:00I can do the Tom Cruise run.
13:03Here we go.
13:04Here we go.
13:04And my first mission, should I choose to accept it, is in Mount Wellington.
13:18With its green spaces, great shopping and easy access to central Auckland, this suburb is a firm favourite with families.
13:26The average sale price here is around 960,000, just over the Dyer's upper limit.
13:32But where there's a will, there's a way.
13:37If you asked for a home that has yard, and we found some yard.
13:43Here it is.
13:45Oh, wow.
13:46Yeah.
13:47That looks great.
13:48Is that enough garage for you?
13:49The windows.
13:49Yeah.
13:50That's quite a good bit of garage.
13:51Yes.
13:52That could be my mind, Keith.
13:54There's a tree, James.
13:56How are you feeling so far?
13:57Yes.
13:57Yes.
13:57Looks good.
13:58After you.
14:02This solid and generously sized three-bedroom home on a leafy residential street offers a light-filled living area looking out into a fully fenced yard.
14:12Perfect for Ginny the Lab.
14:14A separate dining room and double garage mean there's space for the whole family.
14:19The property isn't officially on the market yet, and the vendors are open to negotiation.
14:23The RV is just over a million, but there's a chance to nudge it a little closer to within Jim and Susan's reach.
14:31It's a nice-sized living room, isn't it?
14:33It's nice and spacious.
14:34Yeah.
14:35And you've got a lovely dining area as well, or a second living.
14:37Yeah.
14:39That's great.
14:39Just imagine that sitting in front of that.
14:41And the kitchen, have a look around.
14:47I've got a good feeling about this one.
14:50Big yard, ticked that box.
14:52Got inside, it's light and airy, and Susan absolutely loved that.
14:57But are those bedrooms big enough?
15:01This could be your room, James.
15:03No cupboards away, so you'd need to put in the storage.
15:05This could be another bedroom.
15:09Yeah.
15:09Oh, it's a teeny wee wardrobe.
15:11Oh, my goodness.
15:13And another bedroom.
15:14Yeah.
15:16No sockets.
15:17No sockets.
15:18No power sockets.
15:19There's one there.
15:20One there.
15:20One power socket.
15:22I think this is maybe not quite big enough for the furniture that we have in our bedroom.
15:29Lots of storage space in the garage.
15:32I'm not confessing the garage.
15:33Not for clothes.
15:35It's a shame.
15:37OK.
15:38So let's go and give the bad news to Paul then.
15:41Mm-hm.
15:44I'm so excited.
15:45We went inside, loved the yard, built a treehouse, nice and spacious.
15:50We loved the living room.
15:52Loved the light.
15:53Yeah.
15:53The size of it.
15:55We could see ourselves entertaining there.
15:57But the bedrooms were just too small.
15:59What does James think?
16:01Let's just go to the most important member of the family.
16:05Well, yeah, the bedrooms are too small.
16:08Looking forward to what we see next.
16:09Look at that.
16:10Yeah.
16:11Property number two.
16:12Come on.
16:13That's cool.
16:13Well, Paul, you called it.
16:16They weren't sold on the bedrooms, but everything else got the tick.
16:20Thanks, Jane.
16:21Here's hoping the next one's a better fit.
16:23With property prices in a holding pattern and more homes hitting the market each day, there's
16:31never been a better time to be a cash buyer.
16:35And with a healthy nest egg from the sale of their last home, Lee and Larry are in a strong
16:40position to spot a bargain.
16:41No?
16:43No.
16:44This is why we need help.
16:46If they can agree on what that looks like.
16:50But I'm hoping we'll strike gold in Epsom, one of Tamaki Makauru's most sought-after suburbs.
16:56Its central location, heritage architecture and abundance of gorgeous parks makes it easy
17:02to see why.
17:04An average house price tipping over $2.1 million means it's not for the faint-hearted.
17:11So Lee and Larry's million-dollar ballpark might seem like a stretch.
17:15But if you know where to look, there's still space to strike a deal and this little townhouse
17:20tucked away in a private lane could be it.
17:25Wow.
17:26We're in the heart of Auckland.
17:28And if you do want to blast off overseas, then your home's going to be secure while you're
17:32away.
17:33So what are our first thoughts?
17:36Close to Naivin's, but it's a great location.
17:39And when you get inside and shut the front door, you're tucked away, okay?
17:43See inside.
17:44Ready, Larry?
17:48This easy-care lock-up-and-leave townhouse might be just the lucky break Lee and Larry have
17:53been waiting for.
17:55Inside, it's deceptively spacious.
17:58Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and that open-plan kitchen they were hoping for.
18:03And out the back is a bonus they were probably not expecting.
18:07I'm confident that this place would fall within the range of their maximum budget, and in this
18:11part of town, it's definitely worth a closer look.
18:15Wow.
18:15Oh wow, this really opens up, doesn't it?
18:19Nice and light.
18:20Nice and light, yeah.
18:21The tree out there is a nice outlook.
18:25So is this what you were expecting?
18:27No, no, not at all.
18:30Yeah.
18:30Not the kitchen.
18:31It's a bit bigger than the galley, isn't it?
18:34It's a big kitchen.
18:36Yeah.
18:36Should we go and check out the balcony?
18:38Yes.
18:38Yep, definitely.
18:39We'd love that, eh?
18:43And that's all common area.
18:46Very nice outlook.
18:47Great space for a dog.
18:49Well, I'm going to let you guys go and explore the rest of the house without me on your tail.
18:55I might get lost.
18:56Just hold up.
18:57I'll find you.
18:58All right.
18:58Let's go.
19:02A nice view from the master bedroom, too.
19:06Looks like they're warming up now they're inside.
19:09Bedroom two, bedroom three.
19:12Smooth sailing from here, do you think, Jane?
19:14This is a nice size that we could turn into an office for when I'm working from home.
19:19Steady on, sailor.
19:20I'm not cracking the champagne just yet.
19:23I actually have no idea how this is going to go.
19:26I do want to get them a lock up and leave because they are essentially travellers.
19:30But those who are used to having ocean on this side and ocean on this side,
19:35having neighbours on either side of them could be a challenge.
19:39Time for the moment of truth.
19:43Right.
19:44You two.
19:45Spill the beans.
19:47What are your thoughts?
19:48Love the location and the layout of it.
19:52Something tells me there's a butt coming.
19:55I'd like it a standalone place, actually.
20:00I just want that space where I've got my little bit of grass.
20:04It really ticks the box for me.
20:06Well, lucky I've got two other houses up my sleeve.
20:09Yeah.
20:12Looks like Lee and Larry are also going to keep me on my toes.
20:16But this hunt isn't over, not by a long shot.
20:19The dire whānau moved to Aotearoa, New Zealand from Scotland eight years ago.
20:33They're done with renting and are ready to put down roots and make some memories in a home of their own.
20:38The first house we checked had loads of living space, but the bedroom's a bit on the snug side.
20:44I'm not getting dressed in the garage.
20:46So far, they've been searching close to home in Mount Wellington.
20:50But I reckon it's time to nudge them just a little outside of their comfort zone.
20:54So, we're heading to the western side of central Auckland.
20:59New Windsor is about a half-hour drive from Mount Wellington, where the dyers live now.
21:03But it's still in a fairly central spot.
21:05Just next to Mount Albert, it offers quiet streets and laid-back charm.
21:10And while the average house price sits at around $1.2 million, which might feel like a stretch,
21:16there's still smart buys to be found among the stock of classic 1960s homes.
21:20Well, I bet you're wondering why I brought you here.
21:25Outside the postcode?
21:27It is outside the postcode, you're right.
21:29But actually, I took a bit of a punt.
21:31When we're in Ellerslie, Mount Wellington, I'm almost certain we couldn't find what I'm about to show you here for your money.
21:40OK.
21:41OK.
21:42Oh, wow.
21:43Wow.
21:46Yeah, I love the look.
21:48Nice, isn't it?
21:49Yes.
21:49Look at those trees there.
21:51You'd certainly...
21:53Get a hammock in there.
21:54You'd get a hammock.
21:56A very small treehouse.
21:58This is your quintessential Kiwi home.
22:00I'm excited.
22:01Good.
22:02Yes.
22:02Let's take that excitement inside.
22:03Absolutely.
22:06This three-bedroom weatherboard beauty sits proudly on 600 square metres of freehold land.
22:12In a family-friendly street, it's move-in ready, with plenty of potential for a modern refresh.
22:17Plus, there's a generous backyard for Ginny the lab and a separate garage.
22:23This could be the moment where opportunity knocks for one lucky buyer.
22:32Oh, wow.
22:33Wow.
22:34It's a nice wee room, isn't it?
22:36It's smaller than the other one, but it's still a nice wee space, isn't it?
22:40Of course, there's the kitchen.
22:42I like the set-up of the kitchen, because it's all so open.
22:45This home is going to auction.
22:47Where it lands, we don't know, but definitely within the ballpark of your budget, that's
22:51for sure.
22:51Oh, yeah.
22:52Excellent.
22:52That's good news.
22:53Well, I guess I should leave you to it.
22:57We'll try not to change our minds.
22:58Good.
22:59OK.
22:59Fingers crossed.
23:00See you soon.
23:00Thank you, Paul.
23:03I like that idea of just extending the whole bench top into there and turning the whole
23:08kitchen round, almost.
23:10I'm rattled, because I love this home.
23:14It's gorgeous.
23:15But I just don't know if they're going to be able to get their head around the postcode
23:19and what that means as far as schools are concerned.
23:23And I wonder if the wardrobes are going to be big enough on this one.
23:28It's a wee bit deeper.
23:29Yep.
23:30So far, so good.
23:33I don't mean to be repetitive, but there's only one socket.
23:39I know I've got this thing about sockets.
23:42I think there's one behind the bed.
23:44Phew.
23:45I like my sockets.
23:46It's rude.
23:49I could see his luck in here.
23:51I really could.
23:52Yeah.
23:52It's a really lovely house.
23:54But is it worth the compromise for being further again from all our friends?
23:59For this house?
24:01Possibly, maybe.
24:02Possibly, maybe.
24:03I don't know.
24:10Look at that.
24:11Ah, there he is.
24:13What do you think of the yard, James?
24:14Enough room?
24:17Yeah.
24:17Go on then.
24:17I was having a little bit of a conniption outside, to be honest.
24:24I've had the postcode in my head.
24:26Put me out of my misery.
24:27No, we like it.
24:28We really like the house, and we think the land that you get is amazing.
24:32Wow.
24:32Yes.
24:33Because we don't know the area, I think we'd have to have a bit of a drive around and check
24:37it out.
24:38Yeah.
24:39James, come on over here, mate.
24:41We need your opinion.
24:42Nice footwork.
24:43Look at that.
24:44What do you reckon, James?
24:45Is it working for you?
24:46Is it winner?
24:47Yeah, I like it.
24:48Top of the list, super.
24:49Tender.
24:50Look forward to property number three.
24:51Yes.
24:52All right.
24:52Come on.
24:53A bit of a bother to...
24:53Yeah.
24:56Well, that went better than expected.
25:02Across the other side of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, I'm looking for a home with its foundations
25:07firmly on the ground.
25:09The first house had promise...
25:11Wow.
25:12...but was missing a key feature.
25:14I just want that space where I've got my little bit of grass.
25:17So for house number two, I'm also going to change tack.
25:21We're going to switch it up completely, right?
25:23And Lee's already spotted something she likes about this neighbourhood.
25:27There's the marina down right inside of you.
25:29Having Half Moon Bay Marina in the area is potentially a big bonus if Lee and Larry can
25:34moor their boat there.
25:35And just a stone's throw away in the eastern reaches of the city lies Farm Cove, which is
25:43a tranquil, well-established suburb.
25:46The average house price sits around $1.75 million, but there are still pockets of potential
25:51for buyers on a tighter budget.
25:54And I've found a tidy brick and tile on a quiet street that might just cover all the bases.
26:01What are we thinking, team?
26:03Well, it's a complete house.
26:06Big tick.
26:07Can't wait to see inside it.
26:08Let's have a look.
26:10The solid 70s Stunner has had a smart modern makeover inside.
26:17With three bedrooms, one bathroom, plus plenty of space for fostering guide dog puppies.
26:23It boasts an elevator view over wetlands, where a walkway takes you all the way to the sea.
26:28And with a sale by negotiation, I'm hoping we can strike a deal that keeps everyone smiling.
26:35Oh, wow.
26:36Oh, it's nice and bright, isn't it?
26:41And yeah, there's quite a view out there.
26:44Yeah.
26:46You're on your own now.
26:47Okay.
26:48This is nice.
26:49I like the bench top.
26:52Oh, wow.
26:55Look at that shower.
26:56Gee, that's nice and big.
26:58Oh, that's twosome.
26:59Certainly bigger than anything we had on the boat.
27:02Well, they're making all the right noises.
27:04I think I've nailed it, but I've said that before.
27:07This property is what they ordered.
27:11This is a freehold site.
27:13They've got this beautiful view.
27:15Nice look out to the mangroves and across that walkway.
27:20It's no on-sweet, though.
27:22There is only one bathroom, but it does have a separate toilet, so that might work for them.
27:28It's quite a bit of lawn for a dog.
27:30Yeah.
27:31You could have a barbecue here, actually.
27:34Hey, I'm feeling really good about this.
27:37Time to find out the verdict.
27:42Well, you've seen the whole house.
27:44You've circumnavigated the section.
27:46How are we feeling?
27:47It's a beautifully presented home.
27:50Nice and light and bright.
27:52And we would love to live close to Marina.
27:55But it's not speaking to me and saying, this is the one.
27:59Okay.
28:00As they say, you've got to get the feels.
28:02Yeah.
28:02What about you, Larry?
28:03Have you got the feels?
28:05I like it as well.
28:07The next bathroom, I think, is a big factor.
28:10I was worried about that.
28:12Yeah.
28:12Really like three bathrooms.
28:15We're going up a bathroom now, aren't we?
28:16We may have to compromise a bit on the size of the land in order to get everything that you
28:22want inside the house.
28:24There's something out there for you.
28:25I can feel it in my bones.
28:28Both hands this time.
28:29Wow.
28:30I've got one more shot to find the perfect fit, and I think I've got just the place that could
28:41finally get the nod from both of them.
28:43Well, hi, Nancy.
28:49Come in.
28:49Good to see you again.
28:50How'd you?
28:51How'd you?
28:52Thanks for coming and helping us out.
28:54As you know, we're new to the New Zealand housing market, and we have no idea what we're doing.
28:58So we're looking for any guidance you can give us before we make that first purchase.
29:03Absolutely.
29:04The key thing would be do your due diligence.
29:06A property lawyer can help you work through that, and make sure you're going in well-informed
29:10on the property, regardless of its condition, before you commit to purchase.
29:14Could you give us some advice on that?
29:16You want to look at getting a pre-purchase inspection report, so something like a builder's
29:20report.
29:21That can be helpful in telling you a bit about the home, what construction materials were
29:25used, and it can highlight areas of potential pre-existing damage or gradual damage.
29:32Paul showed us a couple of properties already, and I know that one of them goes to auction.
29:36What do we need to do before?
29:38You may want to look at obtaining a limb report.
29:40This is information that the local council holds about the land, such as natural hazards,
29:46water services and drainage, and a record of title.
29:48This is property-specific information that can identify any restrictions on the property.
29:54And talk to your insurer before committing to that purchase, as different insurers will
29:58have different eligibility criteria.
30:00Finally, as another support resource, you've got the buyer's guide available for you online
30:04as well.
30:05That's been super helpful.
30:07Wonderful.
30:08I'm scouring Tāmaki Makaurau to find Larry and Lee a place to finally drop anchor.
30:17And while the first two properties haven't quite hit the mark...
30:20A next bathroom, I think, is a big factor.
30:23I'm hopeful we'll find everything their hearts desire in house number three.
30:27So we're heading to Beachlands, just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
30:33With beautiful beaches and Pine Harbour Marina on its doorstep, it's a gorgeous spot for my
30:38sailors to settle down and potentially have their yacht nearby.
30:42The average sale price here is just over $1.5 million.
30:47But with a variety of new developments springing up, there's every chance of finding something
30:52that fits the bill.
30:53All right.
30:57This is yours.
30:59We are joined on either side.
31:02I know that.
31:03I can see that.
31:04Larry and I talked about that this morning, that we realised that we all have to make compromises.
31:09So if it ticks all the other boxes, then perhaps that's not a big issue.
31:14All right.
31:14Well, should we just stop getting wet out here and actually go inside?
31:18Yeah, we should do.
31:18All right.
31:19Here we go.
31:20Why don't you come in out of the rain and warm the place up for you?
31:22Oh, good.
31:23Fantastic.
31:23Oh, that sounds good.
31:24Come on.
31:26This elegantly finished townhouse on a recently developed street is just four years old and
31:32comes with every modern convenience Lee and Larry could wish for.
31:36With four generous bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and a private outdoor garden, there's
31:43more than enough room for guests and guide dog puppies alike.
31:48It's for sale by negotiation, but I've got a little bit of intel.
31:52So I think this could be the one that finally gives these intrepid travellers, oh wow, that
31:59feeling of home they've been chasing.
32:01This is nice.
32:04Good.
32:06Jane was saying that you have a wee pochant for a kitchen island.
32:11Yes, yes, very much so.
32:13Tick, tick.
32:14Yeah.
32:16And it's only just a moment's drive away from the marina.
32:19I know, yep.
32:20I know where it is.
32:21He'll be down at the boat the whole time.
32:23Time for me to take Lee on a tour while the boys check out the guest wing.
32:27So, bedroom number one, which I thought would be the perfect office.
32:34Office, yes.
32:34Yep, I agree.
32:36Wow.
32:37Master.
32:37Master bedroom.
32:40Again, it's ticking the boxes.
32:42Yay.
32:42And on the street.
32:45Lovely size.
32:46Yeah.
32:46It's not small at all.
32:48Well, Lee seems to be loving it, but I wonder if the bathrooms are up to Larry's standards.
32:55Oh, yes.
32:56Oh, that's nice.
32:58I think everybody always dreams of having a good soak, whether it ever happens or not.
33:02Bath is quite nice.
33:04Yeah.
33:04With some nice smellies in it.
33:05It's really lovely.
33:06Yeah.
33:06Oh, cool.
33:09How are you feeling, Jane?
33:11Out of all the feedback they've given me, this is exactly what they want.
33:15They don't know the price yet, though.
33:17And this is upper end, really, isn't it?
33:19Larry and Lee have a different upper end.
33:21But then if Lee loves the kitchen, because, you know, happy wife, happy life.
33:24Mm-hmm.
33:26I mean, what man's going to say no to that?
33:27Exactly.
33:28That's my strategy.
33:29I like it.
33:30Okay.
33:31It's a bloody good strategy.
33:35What do you think?
33:36Oh, it's lovely.
33:38It's a beautiful home.
33:39I could see myself here.
33:40I could see myself here as well.
33:43I'm curious to know whether it's in budget or not.
33:47I'm very curious.
33:49We won't know until we ask.
33:51Okay.
33:51Let's go.
33:54Of course I'm dying to know what you guys think of this one.
33:59Property number three.
34:01I love it.
34:02Really lovely.
34:03I just wonder if it's too big.
34:06Oh, come on.
34:08You're kidding me.
34:10A four-bedroom home doesn't feel like we're downsizing.
34:16Yeah, essentially you're a three-bedroom upstairs.
34:18You've got an office downstairs if you take out the bed.
34:20A lovely separate wing for guests.
34:23Larry was already taking a bath.
34:24Oh, no.
34:25Excuse me?
34:26I liked it.
34:27I liked it.
34:27I liked the bathrooms.
34:29I like pretty well everything about it, actually.
34:32No, it ticks all the bottles.
34:34It really does.
34:35Is there a but?
34:37Price?
34:38Ah.
34:39What do you think is worth?
34:40Maybe 1.3.
34:43The listing price is 1.175.
34:47I think it's quite a good price.
34:52It's your call now.
34:53It's your decision.
34:55Lots of thinking too.
34:56Yes.
34:58I think you've found a winner here, Jane.
35:01I'm not counting my chooks yet, Paul, but here's hoping this is the one.
35:07But there's no time to rest, because we're off to see another house with my Scottish Kiwi whānau.
35:14The Dyers loved house too.
35:16Oh, wow.
35:17But it was well outside of their stomping ground.
35:20So we're bringing it back closer to home.
35:23House number three is in Ellerslie, just around the corner from where they live now and right
35:28where they want to be.
35:29The average sale price is just over 1.2 million, but you never know your luck.
35:33Hello.
35:34Hello.
35:35Hi.
35:35Oh, this is so lovely.
35:37I've been waiting to meet you guys.
35:39Good to see you again.
35:41Well, the good news is, football club, a few minutes away by foot.
35:46My hairdresser lives right there.
35:47That's most important.
35:48Absolutely, yeah.
35:49We know this area really well.
35:51So, yeah, this feels really comfortable for us.
35:53Yes.
35:54And there's a nice family home for you guys to set your roots down.
35:57So, well, I think without further ado, we should probably head inside.
36:01What do you think?
36:01Yeah.
36:02Let's go.
36:06Right down the end of a private driveway, this hidden gem is an entertainer's dream.
36:11There's open plan living, a freshly renovated kitchen, and a massive north-facing deck.
36:17With three good-sized bedrooms, there's plenty of space for them to grow into.
36:22And with auction day just around the corner, I'm hopeful this could be the place that they
36:26will get to call home.
36:29Oh, wow.
36:30Look at this garden.
36:32Now, this is a decent deck.
36:35It certainly is.
36:36Yeah.
36:36Yes.
36:37I like that it comes straight into the deck as well.
36:39It's like a nice welcome spot.
36:40Yeah.
36:41Treehouse.
36:42Doghouse.
36:43Yep.
36:44Yeah.
36:45This is great.
36:46It's a very good start.
36:48Yeah.
36:49Good start.
36:50Should we go and have a look inside?
36:50Yeah, please.
36:51Yeah.
36:56Wow.
36:57Nice.
36:58It's wooden floors.
36:59Nice and lovely.
37:00And if you wanted to get fancy, you could always put some French doors or something.
37:04Yes.
37:05Don't give it ideas.
37:06Don't give it ideas.
37:07I love a French door.
37:08Yeah.
37:09Probably best to show you the rest of the house.
37:10Yeah, so probably a good idea.
37:12Yeah.
37:12I like this wee kitchen.
37:15Mmm.
37:17Can I imagine this here?
37:18I could stand here drinking my glass wine.
37:21Ten out of ten.
37:23This is a good sized room.
37:24Yeah.
37:25Good size.
37:27Good space.
37:28Yep.
37:28Good cupboard.
37:28Good space.
37:29Yep.
37:29Sockets both sides.
37:30Nice and light.
37:32Got our sockets.
37:32You got your sockets.
37:33Oh, nice.
37:38Look at how massive that shower is.
37:40I can't tell that it's huge.
37:42We'd never get you out of that shower under there.
37:44Well, that's a bonus.
37:48Nice.
37:49Yeah.
37:50I really like it.
37:51I really like it too.
37:52Praise.
37:53That's the only thing I'm worrying about.
37:54Oh, I know.
37:55Yes.
37:56I'm waiting for the hammer to fall on that one.
37:59But we'll find out.
38:00Yeah.
38:01Hey, I think you've nailed this.
38:03Oh, thank you, Jane.
38:04I seem to have quite good luck when you turn up.
38:07Oh, I feel the same.
38:08You're my lucky charm.
38:09You're my Paul the four-leaf clever.
38:12I quite like that.
38:13It's got a room to it.
38:15Let's go and sell them a house.
38:16Come on.
38:21How did you get on?
38:22The living area hasn't got the wow of the first house you showed us.
38:26But I think the kitchen and the bedrooms totally make up for it.
38:30And obviously that deck.
38:31That huge deck.
38:32And the sockets.
38:33And the sockets.
38:33And the sockets.
38:35We like it.
38:35Yeah.
38:37We're just a little bit worried about the price, though.
38:40Look, it is an auction.
38:42Really, the window around this home could land at maybe around that $950,
38:48which is slightly above what you'd like to spend.
38:50We can't predict what's going to happen.
38:52You don't know until you try.
38:55True.
38:56Why not give it a crack?
38:57Exactly.
38:58Yeah.
38:58What do you reckon, Jane?
38:59Should we give it a crack?
39:01Yeah, I want to.
39:02This could be your new home.
39:04Yeah.
39:05How are you feeling?
39:06A bit nervous, no?
39:09Another set of happy house hunters.
39:12Nice work, buddy.
39:14Fingers crossed, this could be the place where their next chapter begins.
39:17Wherever you are on your property journey, choosing the right home for the next chapter
39:30can be anything but straightforward.
39:34But eventually, you find your own way of navigating the obstacles, whatever they may be.
39:40Lee and Larry want to move from their boat to dry land.
39:42And apart from a slight hesitation from Lee, house three seemed to really hit the mark.
39:49Oh, here's Jane.
39:51Hello.
39:51Here I am.
39:51How are you?
39:52Good.
39:53How are you?
39:54Oh, very good.
39:54Very good.
39:55Very good, yeah.
39:56This weather today is crazy.
39:58I was thinking of you last night hunkering down in the yacht.
40:02Everything okay?
40:02She handles the sort of weather perfectly.
40:05Oh, good to hear.
40:06I'm dying to know how I did after our little tour of the three properties that I showed you
40:14this week.
40:15Property number one.
40:19Quite nice and spacious inside.
40:20It was spacious.
40:21But I felt a bit sort of crammed in either side of us.
40:26Yep.
40:26Now, property number two.
40:29I liked it because it was standing by itself.
40:33But only one bathroom was a big one for me.
40:36I'd like two if I can.
40:38Okay.
40:41Property number three.
40:45I can't get property number three out of my head.
40:48Yes!
40:48It's absolutely everything I wanted except it's four bedrooms.
40:56What's an extra bedroom amongst friends?
40:59An extra bedroom isn't the be-all and end-all of everything.
41:01It is a good problem to have.
41:02Yep.
41:02And then, of course, the price.
41:05That was, oh, not what I was thinking.
41:08I could tell.
41:08Thousands less.
41:09Lots of thousands less.
41:11Well, I'm thrilled to know that one of the properties really resonated with you guys.
41:15The agent rang me this morning to see what your interest level was.
41:18Oh, okay.
41:18We are very interested.
41:19We're very interested.
41:20Okay.
41:20Yes.
41:20I think we'd have to do a little bit more homework on the marina.
41:24If they do get any offers, would you like me to keep you in the loop?
41:27I think that would be a good idea.
41:28Thank you very much for all your help.
41:31It's been really good fun this week.
41:33Yeah, you've definitely kept me on my toes.
41:36Here's to your next adventure, wherever that may be.
41:39Cheers.
41:41They're not quite ready to put pen to paper just yet, but the good news is, after looking
41:46at a variety of options, Lee and Larry are much clearer on what they really want and
41:52where they want to be.
41:54The Daya Whānau want a place to call home in Aotearoa.
41:58House one showed potential, but had one sticking point.
42:03The bedrooms are too small.
42:05House three, on the other hand, seemed to tick all the boxes.
42:09Hello.
42:10Hello there.
42:10Hello.
42:11How are you?
42:12I'm excited.
42:14Oh, good.
42:14How are you going?
42:15I'm excited.
42:17We're nervous.
42:18Okay.
42:18Right.
42:19I reckon we should unpack all this.
42:21Yeah.
42:21Okay.
42:21Don't worry, the session's free.
42:23Hopefully, it won't cost you too much, if you know what I mean.
42:27Yeah.
42:27Talk me through property number one.
42:30Property number one was within the area that we're already in, which that was great.
42:34And there was definitely that wow factor when we arrived with the big yards and the lovely
42:39big windows.
42:41Unfortunately, the bedrooms were just a little bit small and not any built-in storage, so
42:46we kind of discounted it initially.
42:49Initially.
42:50But we re-evaluated after the second viewing, and we thought, well, we could turn that third
42:55bedroom into a dressing room, so we could put cupboards in there for all the clothes.
43:00When you start to move furniture around and imagine yourself in a space, that's a good emotional
43:05connection.
43:06Yeah.
43:06It is.
43:07Yeah.
43:07Totally.
43:08And then I surprised you with a bit of a journey outside of your postcode in your comfort zone.
43:15Talk us through property number two.
43:19Loved the house, loved the land, but I think it underlined how important the postcode was
43:26for us.
43:27Like, being near our friends, our Kiwi family.
43:29Yeah.
43:29And it wasn't until we saw that second house that really secured that for us.
43:34Yeah.
43:35Yeah.
43:35It's good to have that confirmation of where you know you need to be.
43:41That segues really nicely into property number three, because property number three is a short
43:46walk to the property.
43:47It is a very short walk, yes.
43:50We liked property number three.
43:53Very much.
43:54It was that welcoming deck and the entertaining space and being able to have friends over.
43:59It's really close to everything, so it's, yeah, pretty ideal.
44:03So, if we park property number two and we've got property number one and property number
44:08three, was there a conclusion between those two properties?
44:13Yes and no.
44:15We're actually going to go to auction on Tuesday for property number three.
44:19So, we're trying to get our ducks in a row here.
44:21Fantastic.
44:22At a moment.
44:22And if that doesn't work out, we're looking at property one as well.
44:28I think that's the first time on the show I've actually had a win and a back-up win.
44:36Yeah.
44:36Oh, well, we're glad to do it for you.
44:39I hope you can make Tuesday.
44:40Yeah.
44:40I can make Tuesday.
44:41The Dyers gave it a good go at the auction for house number three, but it wasn't their
44:49day in the end.
44:50They decided to move on from property number one, but that's not the end of their house
44:54hunting journey.
44:56They've just bought a three-bedroom home in Mount Wellington with plenty of entertaining
45:00space, and a dog park just over the road for Ginny.
45:03Here's to the Dyers' next exciting chapter.
45:10As for Lee and Larry, house number three didn't quite seal the deal, and their search is on
45:15pause while they take a break in Australia.
45:17When they return, they'll be ready to hit the ground running with fresh eyes and a real
45:22sense of what home could look like.
45:30Looking for a new home?
45:32Make sure you check out the AA Insurance Home Buyer's Guide.
45:36Live a little freer.
45:39Next time.
45:40Hello.
45:41Two women looking to start fresh.
45:45I'm very, very excited, but a little bit nervous.
45:48In some of the most stunning areas Tamaki Makoto has to offer.
45:52Wow, look at that view.
45:54Oh, my goodness.
45:54You'll see view.
45:55With a few surprises along the way.
45:57It's just incredible.
45:59This is the house that keeps on delivering.
46:01Yeah.
46:02They're each ready to find the place where their next adventure begins.
46:06Let's go, Paul.
46:07All round, come on.
46:07Yeah.
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