12 Easdale Street, Kelburn, Wellington City, Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand
Guide Price
$1,737,100
2,995,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
5
BATHROOMS
4
Description
Here is your opportunity to secure one of Wellington's most impressive homes. Nestled in a quiet, private, and sunny location, this home is surrounded by other quality homes in a premium suburb. Originally designed and built for one of Wellington's early industrialists, everything
about the property is detailed to the highest possible quality. In 1946 the property was purchased by the French Government and operated as the French Embassy and latterly the ambassadorial residence. In 2000 the current owners purchased the property with the vision of creating a magnificent large comfortable family home. Over the following years, with the help of acclaimed architect Barbara Webster, extensive renovations were carried out. This included updating and creating four new bathrooms, family kitchen and large games room. During the renovations extensive work was carried out to seismically strengthen the property. Some of the many
features include: • Generous living rooms with direct access to a large, covered patio • Formal dining room to cater for all occasions, large and small • Light filled family kitchen with central island • Huge main bedroom with sunroom (currently used as a home gym) • Four further double bedrooms • Wood panelled study with a working open fire • Enormous games room with kitchenette • Music room/playroom for younger children • Four updated bathrooms • Guest powder room • Large open terrace with above ground spa pool • Separate wine cellar with tasting table • Flat west facing lawn area and formal gardens • Central heating throughout • Three car garaging • Direct access to the Botanical Gardens This very special home, with a rich history, is just waiting for the next family to move in to continue its legacy. Located within an easy reach of the CBD and Parliament, with the added advantage of having the Botanical Gardens as your playground, what more could you want? This gorgeous home will appeal to families of all ages, as well as those wanting to make a real statement and entertain on a grand scale. Please call me today to arrange an appointment to view.
Location
Open in Google MapsLiving in Wellington
New Zealand's compact capital, dubbed 'the coolest little capital in the world' by Lonely Planet, with a vibrant arts and cafe culture that punches well above its weight. The CBD is fully walkable and public transit usage is the highest in NZ, but prepare for relentless wind -- it's literally the windiest city in the world. Locals are genuinely friendly and the expat community integrates easily, though the cost of living is high for its size.
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
Iain Stewart - Tommy's Real Estate Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - Tommys Wellington
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


