12 Spylaw Street, Maori Hill, Dunedin City, Otago
Dunedin, New Zealand
Guide Price
$565,500
975,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
4
BATHROOMS
1
Description
Positioned in the heart of ever-popular Māori Hill, this warm and welcoming home offers sunshine, privacy and flexibility for modern family living. Set within beautifully established grounds on a generous 686sqm section and offering approximately 163sqm of living, the property provides a peaceful garden sanctuary in one of Dunedin’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. Easy access from the street is via a path beneath a hedge that arches overhead, creating a quaint first impression of the home. Established greenery and mature trees create an immediate sense of calm and privacy as you arrive, leading into a charming entrance foyer that sets the tone for the home. The upper level forms the heart of the home, where you will find the open-plan dining and living area, a welcoming space for family life and entertaining. Just off the living space is a north-facing sunroom, perfectly positioned to capture all-day sun and offering an elevated vantage point across the surrounding greenery, an ideal place to relax with a morning coffee or unwind at the end of the day. From the main living room, doors open to a sunny deck overlooking the garden, creating a lovely indoor-outdoor connection. The home enjoys a wonderfully sunny aspect, with large picture windows capturing light and peaceful garden views. The kitchen sits just off the living and dining area, classic in design with warm timber accents. Also located on this level is a guest bedroom which could be a separate living area/media room and a separate toilet. The lower level offers excellent accommodation for families, with three further bedrooms, a family bathroom and an additional separate toilet. One of the bedrooms connects to a generous rumpus or hobbies retreat, a versatile space ideal as a children’s hangout, creative studio, gym or work-from-home area. With bifold windows opening to the garden, the room enjoys wonderful natural light and fresh air. There is also a small office or storage room on this level, providing additional flexibility. Outside, the gardens are a true highlight. Established trees, lawn areas and woodland planting create a beautiful garden sanctuary, fully fenced and dog-secure, with plenty of space for children and pets to explore. Tucked amongst the trees is a sweet woodland garden setting, a magical corner to relax and enjoy. Practical
features include ceiling insulation, gas hot water, fibre internet, attic storage, a separate laundry, under-house garden storage, and one off-street park. Super sunny, private and full of charm, this is a home that offers both comfort and opportunity in a tightly held location. With Māori Hill Primary School just minutes’ walk away, and easy access to John McGlashan College, St Hilda’s Collegiate and Columba College, families will appreciate the convenience of this exceptional neighbourhood. Enjoy being part of the vibrant Māori Hill community, with Number 7 Balmac just around the corner for coffee or dinner, along with local cafés and village
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
Alice Munro - Otago Realty Group Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - Bayleys
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


