Back to Whangārei, New Zealand

311 Franklin Road, Paparoa, Kaipara, Northland

Whangārei, New Zealand

Guide Price

$528,050

895,000 NZD

PROPERTY TYPE

house

BEDROOMS

5

BATHROOMS

1

311 Franklin Road, Paparoa, Kaipara, Northland - Photo 2
311 Franklin Road, Paparoa, Kaipara, Northland - Photo 3
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Description

If you've been dreaming of a home with soul, the kind that wraps you in nostalgia the moment you walk up the verandah steps - this early 1910s Kauri villa will absolutely steal your heart. Set on 5.3 hectares of gentle rolling land, it's a lifestyle property that brings together character, space, and the quiet country living so many buyers crave. From the moment you step inside, the wide, elongated hallway sets the tone. Kauri floors, detailed panelling, arches, and fretwork, everything here has been lovingly cared for, and it shows. The country-style kitchen and dining room offer that homestead warmth we all adore, complete with generous storage, plenty of bench space, and a wood burner on wetback, perfect for winter evenings and hearty family meals. The living room feels like stepping back into a gentler time, with its classic bay window, angled wall, and an open fireplace also connected to wetback. Close the doors and you have a cosy, private retreat; open the French doors and you're instantly connected to the covered porch - the most beautiful morning coffee spot you could ask for. With five generous bedrooms, all featuring authentic sash windows and high stud, each room has its own personality. Several retain their original open fireplaces with stunning mantels, making this home a wonderful ode to the craftsmanship of the era. The spacious bathroom is a standout too, boasting a gorgeous claw-foot bath, separate toilet, and that charming villa warmth that no modern build can replicate. Practical upgrades have already been taken care of, insulation, rewiring, HRV, and an electric hot water cylinder - giving you peace of mind while you enjoy the character features. Outside, the lifestyle magic continues. A collection of outbuildings adds versatility, including three separate rooms: an old time laundry with toilet, a workshop, and an original granary, ideal for storage or functional use. Once used as staff accommodation, these spaces carry a sense of history too. Add to this two single lockable garages, two carports, a wool shed, and you've got a rural setup ready for all sorts of possibilities. The land is simply beautiful. 5.3 hectares of gentle contour with a gravity-fed water source and sweeping country views. Plenty of room for grazing, gardens, pets, or simply soaking up the peaceful surroundings. And despite the privacy, town

amenities are just a short drive away. This is more than a home - it's a lifestyle, a story, and a rare slice of early-1900s craftsmanship waiting for its next guardian. If you love character villas and have been longing for a country haven with room to breathe, this is one you won't want to miss. For more property files, visit: https://propertyfiles.co.nz/property/SRP343

Location

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Living 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
See all New Zealand listings

New Zealand at a glance

How New Zealand scores for American expats

💰Cost of Living
Expensive
🛡️Safety
Very safe
🗣️English Spoken
Widely
🏥Healthcare
Excellent
🌬️Air Quality
Clean
📶Internet
Moderate
🚶Walkability
Moderate
🚇Transit
Limited

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

Shar Schultz - Schultz Realty Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008) - Professionals, Maungaturoto

Next steps for moving to New Zealand

Interested in this property? Here's how to move forward.

1

Understand the buying rules

Foreign ownership laws vary wildly by country. Some welcome you, others restrict or ban foreign buyers entirely.

2

Sort out your visa

Owning property doesn't give you the right to live there. Research residency options before you buy.

3

Plan your finances

Understand currency risk, international wire transfers, and whether you can get a local mortgage.

4

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.

5

Set up healthcare

Medicare doesn't cover you overseas. You'll need international health insurance or a local plan.

6

Run the full checklist

Banking, mail forwarding, power of attorney, pet import rules — the complete pre-move checklist.

Source

realestate.co.nz

Portal listings

Currency

NZD