81 Awaruku Road, Torbay, North Shore City, Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
Guide Price
$648,410
1,099,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
3
BATHROOMS
1
Description
Motivated vendors, sharply priced, all offers will be considered. First home buyers - this one just makes sense. Set on a 1012sqm (more or less) freehold site, this single-level home delivers something increasingly rare on the North Shore: real land, real space, and real potential. North-facing living captures great sun and flows easily to front and rear decks. Morning coffee, summer BBQs, friends dropping by - indoor-outdoor living that simply works. Inside, you'll find a refreshed kitchen and bathroom, three generous bedrooms, and comfortable living spaces - making it easy to move straight in and enjoy from day one. But the real story here is the backyard. Sections of this size don't come along often. Space for kids, gardens, future plans - whatever you've been dreaming about, there's room to make it happen. Privately tucked away, yet just minutes from Waiake Beach, Torbay Village and great local schools, the lifestyle here is easy to see. Basement storage, a garden shed, separate laundry and plenty of off-street parking round out the practical details. INFO: https://rwmilford.co.nz/MFD30447 (scroll down to documents)
FEATURES YOU'LL LOVE: 1970s construction Freehold 1012sqm section (more or less) Single-level living North-facing position with great sun Open-plan kitchen, dining & living Front and rear entertaining decks Refreshed kitchen and bathroom Three generous bedrooms Separate laundry Basement storage + garden shed Spacious off-street parking Close to Waiake Beach, Torbay & Long Bay Village Zoned for Torbay School, Long Bay School, Northcross Intermediate & Long Bay College Our vendors have vacated and want this sold - creating a genuine opportunity for the next owner. Welcome home.
Location
Open in Google MapsLiving in Auckland
Multicultural harbor city that feels like a softer version of California -- great food scene, easy nature access, and a strong work-life balance culture. Housing is expensive (NZ ranks 7th globally for home prices) and everything costs more due to import prices, but salaries come with generous time off and strong worker protections. The biggest adjustment is the distance -- getting home to visit family is a long, expensive flight.
Morning surf before work, weekends tramping through Lord-of-the-Rings landscapes, and a laid-back culture where shoes are optional and nature is never more than ten minutes away.
Visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa — points-based system requiring a skilled job offer in NZ. New pathways opening August 2026 for trades workers and those with 5+ years experience. Accredited Employer Work Visa is the faster route if you already have a job offer.
Learn more: The Complete Guide to Moving to New Zealand→Key Fact
NZ has strict biosecurity laws — importing food, plants, or outdoor gear can result in heavy fines. The work-life balance is exceptional, but the job market is small and remote from everywhere.
Learn more: What You Need to Know Before Moving Abroad→New Zealand at a glance
How New Zealand scores for American expats
Cost of buying in New Zealand
Estimated fees and ongoing costs for this property
Closing Costs
3-5% of purchase price
- ·No stamp duty
- ·Legal/conveyancing: NZ$1,500-3,000
- ·Building inspection: NZ$500-800
- ·LIM report: NZ$300-400
Annual Costs
Property Tax
0.3-1.5% of government valuation (varies by council)
Insurance
NZ$1,500-3,000/yr
HOA / Condo Fees
NZ$300-600/mo for apartments (body corporate)
Good to Know
Agent Fees
Seller pays (2.5-4%)
Foreign Buyer Note
Foreign buyers BANNED from existing homes (2018 ban). Can only buy new-build apartments in large developments.
Legal help in New Zealand
Hire your own attorney — not the seller's. We'll match you with a vetted local lawyer.
Need a local attorney in New Zealand?
We'll connect you with an independent, English-speaking real estate attorney experienced with foreign buyers. Not the seller's lawyer — yours.
Contact Agent
Cindy Zhang - CR Marketing North Shore Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - Ray White Mairangi Bay & Milford
Next steps for moving to New Zealand
Interested in this property? Here's how to move forward.
Understand the buying rules
Foreign ownership laws vary wildly by country. Some welcome you, others restrict or ban foreign buyers entirely.
Sort out your visa
Owning property doesn't give you the right to live there. Research residency options before you buy.
Plan your finances
Understand currency risk, international wire transfers, and whether you can get a local mortgage.
Know your tax obligations
US citizens are taxed on worldwide income. You'll need to file US taxes from abroad and may owe local taxes too.
Set up healthcare
Medicare doesn't cover you overseas. You'll need international health insurance or a local plan.
Run the full checklist
Banking, mail forwarding, power of attorney, pet import rules — the complete pre-move checklist.
realestate.co.nz
NZD


