12 McLaren Falls Road, Lower Kaimai, Western Bay Of Plenty, Bay of Plenty
Tauranga, New Zealand
Guide Price
$506,810
859,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
3
BATHROOMS
1
Description
Come see this cute, cosy, character 1920s country cottage. Lovingly restored, this 108sqm approx. solid concrete stucco home has plenty of character
features including the old kitchen meat safe and lovely high stud ceilings. Central heating and cooling for all seasons. Lots of quirky cupboards and timber joinery in the separate kitchen that flows to the open plan dining/living area opening to the tropical style landscaped garden featuring palms and bromeliads with a water feature plus a spa to relax in on the private sheltered patio. Three bedrooms with a tiled bathroom featuring pedestal bath and copper shower rose. A large flat area just waiting for your new shed or garage with plenty of off-street parking. Lots of appeal for country and character lovers, first step into lifestyle living for families, couples or singles wanting a taste of rural life with your own fruit trees, vegetables, room for the chickens and a separate paddock for sheep on a 2413sqm approx. site. So close to the renowned McLaren Falls beautiful park with the Falls cafe and the famous waterfalls just around the corner for swimming, walks beside the canal and through the bush with stunning rural views. A country treasure originally built for the Ruahihi Dam engineers. A touch of history in this friendly Lower Kaimai community with the original Post Office building next door. Only a short drive to Tauranga Crossing
amenities at the Lakes through the recently opened new road on the city's edge. Call Sheri to view today.
Location
Open in Google MapsLiving in Tauranga
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
Sheri Mitchell - EVES Realty Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - EVES on Cameron
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


