Back to Queenstown, New Zealand

53 Upper Ure Street, Oamaru, Waitaki, Otago

Queenstown, New Zealand

Guide Price

$370,620

639,000 NZD

PROPERTY TYPE

house

BEDROOMS

4

BATHROOMS

1

53 Upper Ure Street, Oamaru, Waitaki, Otago - Photo 2
53 Upper Ure Street, Oamaru, Waitaki, Otago - Photo 3
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Description

More light, more outlook, a bit more breathing room from the day-to-day - set on South Hill with a clear sense of position, this four-bedroom home pairs that elevated setting with a full 1012m² section and a 134m² layout that gives you room to settle in and enjoy properly. The living area makes the most of it. A bay window with leadlight detail draws your eye out and pulls the sun deep into the room, while the wood burner anchors things when the temperature drops. A heat pump keeps it practical, and the connection through to the kitchen and dining means the home works as one when it needs to. The kitchen itself is grounded and functional, with a central island, good storage and timber floors, and doors that open straight to the deck so the shift outdoors feels natural. Bedrooms sit privately down the hallway, giving the home a layout that holds its shape through busy weeks and quieter weekends. The main bedroom connects through to the sun-room, which becomes one of those spaces you end up using more than expected - a warm corner for reading, working, or simply slowing things down in the afternoon light. The remaining three bedrooms are well-sized, with a bathroom that covers both bath and separate shower, plus storage that keeps things practical. Outside, the scale of the section starts to really show its value. The wraparound covered deck extends the living areas without fuss, while the lawn offers genuine room to use rather than just maintain. Established planting, raised beds and a sheltered garden spot give it a sense of maturity, and the separate garage provides secure parking with flexibility for storage or projects alongside. From here, you’re positioned well for everyday Oamaru living - schools

nearby including Fenwick and Waitaki Boys’ and Girls’ High, along with access into the town centre, harbour and local shops all within easy reach. It’s a part of town people tend to hold onto for good reason. Kirsten Ewing will give you a clear sense of how this one sits and why it works.

Location

Open in Google Maps

Living in Queenstown

New Zealand's adventure capital set against dramatic Southern Alps scenery, popular with outdoorsy types who want skiing, hiking, and bungee jumping on their doorstep. It's a small town (about 50,000) that runs on tourism, meaning seasonal work is common and housing costs are inflated well beyond what the town's size would suggest. A stunning place to live if you can afford it and don't mind the isolation.

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
See all New Zealand listings

New Zealand at a glance

How New Zealand scores for American expats

💰Cost of Living
Expensive
🛡️Safety
Very safe
🗣️English Spoken
Widely
🏥Healthcare
Excellent
🌬️Air Quality
Clean
📶Internet
Moderate
🚶Walkability
Moderate
🚇Transit
Limited

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

Kirsten Ewing - Arizto Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008)

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 — the complete pre-move checklist.

Source

realestate.co.nz

Portal listings

Currency

NZD