Back to Auckland, New Zealand

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

1/2 Waipa Street, Birkenhead, North Shore City, Auckland - Photo 2
1/2 Waipa Street, Birkenhead, North Shore City, Auckland - Photo 3
1/15

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 Maps

Living 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
See all New Zealand listings

New Zealand at a glance

How New Zealand scores for American expats

💰Cost of Living
Expensive
🛡️Safety
Very safe
🗣️English Spoken
Widely
🏥Healthcare
Excellent
🌬️Air Quality
Clean
📶Internet
Moderate
🚶Walkability
Moderate
🚇Transit
Limited

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.

1

Understand the buying rules

Foreign ownership laws vary wildly by country. Some welcome you, others restrict or ban foreign buyers entirely.

2

Sort out your visa

Owning property doesn't give you the right to live there. Research residency options before you buy.

3

Plan your finances

Understand currency risk, international wire transfers, and whether you can get a local mortgage.

4

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.

5

Set up healthcare

Medicare doesn't cover you overseas. You'll need international health insurance or a local plan.

6

Run the full checklist

Banking, mail forwarding, power of attorney, pet import rules — the complete pre-move checklist.

Source

realestate.co.nz

Portal listings

Currency

NZD