33A McDougall Avenue, Saint Albans, Christchurch City, Canterbury
Christchurch, New Zealand
Guide Price
$710,500
1,225,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
townhouse
BEDROOMS
3
BATHROOMS
2
Description
My lovely clients have owned 33a McDougall Avenue for over 20 years and are downsizing to apartment living. During this time, the property has adapted as a home, a lock up and leave and a lucrative rental, both short and long term. There are so many things to love
about this home. Locality... The
location of McDougall Avenue offers an extensive range of
nearby services, whether it be retail, hospitality, medical or wellbeing... Merivale Mall is only an easy five minute walk away. It's truly a convenient
location for all those wanting to live and travel locally. The garden views... The downstairs living zone with its extensive display of large windows, captures a picturesque north facing garden and courtyard area, that will be a delight through all the seasons of the year. The spacious kitchen/dining/living area are all within the one open plan zone and therefore making the flow from indoors to out seamless. This home is just perfect for entertaining, its not too big and not too small. Accommodation... One double bedroom is located downstairs, along with a separate bathroom, with a bath. Then upstairs you will find a further two bedrooms and an additional family bathroom which is of excellent size - both bathrooms offer underfloor heating. Schooling... For families, McDougall Avenue is within zone of these sought after schools - Christchurch Girls and Boys High School, Heaton Intermediate & Elmwood Primary. The property is also very close to Selwyn House School and Rangi Ruru Girls school. ** View the virtual floor plan of this home - https://visithome.ai/5GUZKxpbxhDFFDoVLStBga?mu=m&m=0&t=1768337049
Features to highlight Double glazed throughout Downstairs double bedroom & bathroom Two heat pumps - one upstairs on one down Separate laundry Alfresco dining - spacious outdoor area Traditional front door hallway entry Alarm system Freehold Title - no Residents Assn Partial re-cladding with earthquake repairs - plaster areas include cavity system Enjoy the ease of double garaging and plenty of off-street parking too, as this standalone townhouse is the rear of two. Download the property pack here - https://www.agentsend.com/BW5M To view, please contact Bridget Perry at Executive Real Estate or visit one of our open homes.
Location
Open in Google MapsLiving in Christchurch
Rebuilt and reimagined after the 2011 earthquakes, Christchurch is New Zealand's most affordable major city with a flat, bikeable layout and easy access to both beaches and ski fields. The rebuild has created a modern, innovative city center, and the Canterbury region offers a drier, sunnier climate than Wellington or Auckland. A smaller expat community means a more authentic Kiwi experience.
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
Bridget Perry - Executive Real Estate, People & Property Real Estate (Licensed: REAA 2008)
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