8 Grants Avenue, Russell, Far North, Northland
Whangārei, New Zealand
Guide Price
$841,000
1,450,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
3
BATHROOMS
2
Description
Set within beautifully established gardens and elevated to enjoy sun and views towards Matauwhi Bay, this charming three-bedroom (plus study/fourth bedroom), two-bathroom cottage offers an exceptional coastal lifestyle. Tucked away at the top of a private drive, it is just a short stroll to Long Beach, Matauwhi Bay and Russell township’s shops, cafés, restaurants and boat club. The home is framed by a lawned front garden and opens seamlessly to a generous 25m² vine-covered deck with pergola, complemented by an additional paved patio lounge with raised BBQ seating. These multiple outdoor spaces create ideal settings for relaxed entertaining and alfresco dining. Inside, the front door opens into a light-filled, open-plan family dining and lounge area, tastefully decorated and connected to the deck via French doors and a wraparound porch. The custom kitchen is beautifully appointed, featuring a stylish electric/gas range with double oven. The ground floor offers flexibility, with two potential bedrooms - one currently used as a cosy evening TV snug - alongside a contemporary bathroom with slate floors, double shower and guest toilet. Upstairs, two large double bedrooms enjoy lovely water views, while the bathroom
features marble tiles, a shower and a Japanese plunge bath. To the rear, the fully fenced and landscaped gardens rise to a private, tropical-style spa pool area. Beyond this, extensive vegetable gardens and a greenhouse enjoy all-day sun and elevated water views. Enjoy year-round comfort in a truly special setting, a lovely place to call home or a peaceful place to holiday from.
Location
Open in Google MapsLiving in Whangārei
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
Irene Bremner - Mackys Real Estate Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - Bayleys, Kerikeri
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


