Back to Christchurch, New Zealand

12 Tekoa Street, Waiau, Hurunui, Canterbury

Christchurch, New Zealand

Guide Price

$241,310

409,000 NZD

PROPERTY TYPE

house

BEDROOMS

3

BATHROOMS

1

Description

If you're over paying rent and ready to put down roots, or you've been dreaming

about a simpler, country lifestyle, then this welcoming home in the heart of Waiau could be just what you've been waiting for. Tucked away on a beautiful, tree-lined street, this generously sized home has been enjoyed as a holiday getaway but would work just as beautifully as a permanent residence. Inside, you'll find three double bedrooms plus a handy attached studio room, perfect for guests, teenagers, hobbies or working from home. The open-plan kitchen and dining area is warmed by a cosy log burner for those cooler months. A separate living room with a heat pump and sliding doors creates easy indoor-outdoor flow and gives everyone space to spread out and relax. There's a family bathroom, an additional toilet, and a separate laundry to keep everyday living practical and easy. The converted single garage, currently set up as a games room, adds extra flexibility and fun. Outside, the established trees provide a lovely leafy backdrop, while the section still offers plenty of scope to add your own touch. There's real potential here to create something special. Life in Waiau is all

about community and lifestyle. Spend your weekends fishing or boating on the

nearby Waiau River, enjoy peaceful walks along the reserve, and make the most of the local sporting

facilities and friendly rural school. You're also an easy drive to the hot pools of Hanmer Springs, the slopes at Mount Lyford, or the stunning coastline at Kaikoura. If you're looking for an affordable home with space, flexibility and that genuine country-town feel, this one is well worth a look. Give Annie or Jackie a call today, we'd love to show you through.

Location

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Living 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 โ€” 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 Zealandโ†’

Key Fact

NZ has strict biosecurity laws โ€” 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 Abroadโ†’
See all New Zealand listings

New Zealand at a glance

How New Zealand scores for American expats

๐Ÿ’ฐCost of Living
Expensive
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธSafety
Very safe
๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธEnglish Spoken
Widely
๐ŸฅHealthcare
Excellent
๐ŸŒฌ๏ธAir Quality
Clean
๐Ÿ“ถInternet
Moderate
๐ŸšถWalkability
Moderate
๐Ÿš‡Transit
Limited

Cost of buying in New Zealand

Estimated fees and ongoing costs for this property

Closing Costs

3-5% of purchase price

  • ยทNo stamp duty
  • ยทLegal/conveyancing: NZ$1,500-3,000
  • ยทBuilding inspection: NZ$500-800
  • ยทLIM 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.

Interested in this property?

Send us a message โ€” we'll review and reply within 1โ€“2 business days. You'll always see the original portal link too.

View original listing on realestate.co.nz

Legal help in New Zealand

Hire your own attorney โ€” 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 โ€” yours.

Contact Agent

Annie McLean - Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - Harcourts, Hanmer Springs

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 โ€” the complete pre-move checklist.

Source

realestate.co.nz

Portal listings

Currency

NZD