7 Essex Street, Weston, Waitaki, Otago
Queenstown, New Zealand
Guide Price
$376,420
649,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
3
BATHROOMS
1
Description
There’s something deeply satisfying
about a home that has been loved from the garden in. At 7 Essex Street, the first impression is all colour, texture and care, from the manicured lawns to the layered planting and sculpted garden beds that wrap around this classic brick residence on a prominent corner site.. Sitting above the basement level, it's a split-level home that offers a smart, family-first layout with seamless indoor-outdoor connection. The living room opens directly to a timber deck via sliding doors, creating easy indoor-outdoor flow for summer dinners and weekend barbecues. The deck includes a ramped access point and steps down to a paved courtyard, making it functional as well as social. Adjacent, the dining area connects naturally to the kitchen, forming a warm, welcoming hub. Three bedrooms are positioned on the main level, serviced by a centrally located bathroom. A sun room along the front provides an additional light-filled retreat. Downstairs, the basement level incorporates a double garage and excellent storage, along with additional utility space that enhances flexibility. Outdoors, this property truly shines. Established trees, raised planter boxes, a tunnel house greenhouse, garden shed and expansive lawn areas create a setting that is both productive and picturesque. There is room to grow vegetables, tend roses or simply enjoy the privacy. The paved courtyard adds another sheltered outdoor entertaining option, while the flat, fully fenced section offers peace of mind. Set in Weston, just minutes from central Oamaru, this home places you close to Weston School, the playgrounds and the local Weston Store for everyday essentials. A short drive takes you into Oamaru’s town centre, where you’ll find New World, Countdown, cafés along Thames Street, the Oamaru Public Gardens and the Victorian Precinct. If you’ve been searching for a solid home with real heart and exceptional outdoor living, this is the one. Get in touch with Kirsten Ewing to arrange your viewing
Location
Open in Google MapsLiving 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→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
Kirsten Ewing - Arizto Ltd (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


