1/2 Waipa Street, Birkenhead, North Shore City, Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
Guide Price
$587,050
995,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
townhouse
BEDROOMS
3
BATHROOMS
3
Description
STRATEGIC END POSITION. OWN YARD, TWO CARPARKS. Thoughtfully designed and master built by G.J. GARDNER, one of N.Z.'s most renowned building companies, this brick and low-maintenance fibre-cement weatherboard townhouse offers scale, sunshine, outdoor yard space and a seamless flow. The modern building code offers peace of mind versus tired old alternatives - featuring double glazing for sound and thermal insulation, plus heat pump air conditioning comfort. Stylishly appointed with laminated floors and a super-relaxed open-plan design, entertainers and home chefs will love the spacious kitchen, engineered stone benchtops and quality Fisher & Paykel appliances, plus a guest WC and a plethora of storage, with separate laundry. With a generous, privately fenced yard, there's plenty of space for the outdoor setting, BBQ, loungers, pets, and a trampoline or sandpit. The first floor level neatly accommodates three bedrooms, the primary having its own ensuite, main bathroom with a quality finish - tiled and glazed, plus extra storage nooks. The views are a bonus, overlooking the Auckland CBD & Sky Tower, plus the inner harbour. With two dedicated carparks and no Body Corporate fees - this is the perfect start. First home buyers will value the extra bedroom and 2nd bathroom flexibility for a flatmate to help with finances, or working couples, a dedicated office when working from home. Active families and astute mum & dad investors are also warmly invited. Location. On the fringe of Chatswood, you can almost throw away the car keys, with regular buses to Highbury and the City, a New World supermarket literally around the corner for all your shopping essentials, and Chelsea Primary and Kindergarten within circa 600 metres, or a healthy walk to Soldiers Bay. Fun living made easy. Priced for immediate action and a fast settlement, you cannot afford to let this golden opportunity slip through your fingers. NOT an Auction, so act FAST.
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
Chris Gemmell AREINZ - Lochore’s Birkenhead (Licensed: REAA 2008) Ray White
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


