104 Forfar Street, Saint Albans, Christchurch City, Canterbury
Christchurch, New Zealand
Guide Price
$376420
649000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
3
BATHROOMS
1
Description
To download the property files, please copy & paste the following link: https://www.propertyfiles.co.nz/property/RX4776361 Brimming with character and refreshed with modern style, 104 Forfar Street perfectly blends old charm with contemporary comfort. Retaining its classic high ceilings, wall panelling, and casement windows, this beautifully renovated home delivers warmth, light, and effortless living. The heart of the home flows from a stylish open-plan kitchen and dining area through bifold doors to a sun-soaked new deck and private, low-maintenance garden. A separate living room offers a cosy retreat, complete with a consented fireplace and built-in shelving.
• 3 double bedrooms with built-in storage • Bathroom with bath + separate shower • Separate powder room • Consented fireplace in the living area • Open-plan kitchen / dining with bifold doors to rear deck • Front and rear decking, with low-maintenance lawn • Established fruit trees • Single garage with workshop space • Additional off-street parking Positioned on a peaceful street just a 5-minute drive from Merivale and 10 minutes from Christchurch City, this home offers both convenience and lifestyle. Zoned for excellent schools, including St Albans Primary, Heaton Intermediate, Marian College, and St Bede’s College, it’s a perfect fit for families or professionals seeking character, privacy, and location. To download the property files, please copy & paste the following link: https://www.propertyfiles.co.nz/property/RX4776361
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
Tom Rennie - Cowdy (Licensed: REAA 2008) - Christchurch
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