71 California Drive, Totara Park, Upper Hutt City, Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand
Guide Price
$422,820
729,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
3
BATHROOMS
1
Description
Our motivated vendors are upsizing and require the sale of this well-maintained family home to secure their next move. Offering effortless indoor-outdoor living, this home presents an excellent opportunity for families, first-home buyers, or those seeking a welcoming, established community. Inside, you'll find generous bedrooms supported by a separate office or study - ideal for working from home or additional storage. The family bathroom includes a shower and toilet, complemented by a second separate toilet and dedicated laundry for everyday practicality. Thoughtful upgrades include a new concrete driveway, stylish vinyl kitchen flooring, and improved insulation for year-round comfort. With the major improvements already completed, a fresh coat of paint offers the perfect chance to add your own style and truly make the home your own. The lounge opens seamlessly onto a sun-filled verandah, creating an inviting space for relaxing or entertaining. Internal-access garaging, secure gated off-street parking, and additional driveway space provide versatile parking options. Positioned in popular Totara Park, the home enjoys easy access to parks, bush and river walks, local shops, and everyday
amenities - delivering comfortable, convenient family living Don't miss out the opportunity to own this beautiful home ! Contact us today Download the property info pack at www.agentsend.com/V5QL (copy and paste the link into your browser)
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
Lakhvir Deol - Team Group Realty Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - Harcourts, Upper Hutt
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