21 George Street, Port Chalmers, Dunedin City, Otago
Dunedin, New Zealand
Guide Price
$248,820
429,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
3
BATHROOMS
1
Description
This iconic and much-coveted 280m2 (+/-) two-story bluestone building is situated on the main street of the historic township of Port Chalmers. The Tiger Tea building is a well-known landmark close to the Port of Otago, and popular with locals, visitors and cruise ship passengers alike. NBS Rating: 25% The top floor
features the original 3-bedroom flat with kitchen/dining, separate living room, and bathroom with separate toilet. The ground floor offers the opportunity for a generous retail space, boasting a separate workshop area and office or storage room, with parking for two vehicles located at the back of the building. Potential plus and ripe for renovation; the current owner has replaced the roof, upgraded the wiring, replaced the flooring in the shop and made cosmetic repairs, so the work has begun! A change in circumstances means this exciting opportunity is is ready for a new owner to stamp their mark. Over the past few years, Port Chalmers has become a popular destination, with delightful cafes and shops on the main street benefitting from the newly-opened Harbour Cycleway and 131 cruise ships this past cruise season. This is a rare opportunity to own a building such as this, and offers plenty of potential for new owners to renovate and enhance, and capitalise on the increasing popularity of this beautiful harbour township. Viewing By Appointment only. NBS report available. For full information pack and reports please download directly from the listing on the Tall Poppy website.
Location
Open in Google MapsLiving in Dunedin
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
Andrew Berryman - Tall Poppy 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


