16a Crete Street, Whakatane, Whakatane, Bay of Plenty
Whakatāne, New Zealand
Guide Price
$404,150
685,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
3
BATHROOMS
1
Description
Lovingly relocated from Auckland in 2025, this city villa was treated to a full makeover in 2017 then beautifully updated and refreshed in recent months. Skip up the steps to the sun shiny yellow door, where the feeling of new begins. Three nicely sized bedrooms, good storage, and a spacious modern kitchen (including auto blinds, a dish drawer and 'space for the wine fridge') makes this property a great option. Large stacker doors open out to the deck; it is a great size for entertaining or to enjoy as your coffee spot in the sun. A single garage with auto door and added space for the laundry. Tucked down the driveway with extra room for a motorhome or boat - just back straight down the drive and you're right! There is certainly a lot to love
about 16a Crete St. Private viewings welcome. Call Anna 0274460660
Location
Open in Google MapsLiving in Whakatāne
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
Anna Robertson - ETB Realty Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - Harcourts, Whakatane
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