12 Fairwinds Place, Hihi, Far North, Northland
Whangārei, New Zealand
Guide Price
$490,100
845,000 NZD
PROPERTY TYPE
house
BEDROOMS
3
BATHROOMS
2
Description
This is exceptional beachside buying. Less than 100m from Hihi Beach, this striking 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with massive 9.5m x 7m garage sits on 712sqm of near-flat, fully fenced grounds. Now priced at $845,000. The two-level design places main living on the upper level where expansive curved decking overlooks the beach. Open-plan living with polished tawa floors and wood burner flows seamlessly to the deck, capturing lovely coastal views. The master bedroom sits alongside with wide views and direct deck access - imagine waking up to the sound of the ocean each morning. Downstairs offers two generous double bedrooms, spacious bathroom, and an extra-large rumpus/storage room with laundry facilities. This room was originally designed as a garage and could easily be converted back if you need additional vehicle storage. The standout feature is the separate double garage - exceptionally large with extra-high stud height, perfect for boats, campervans or larger vehicles. Surrounded by extensive paved areas, there's plenty of room for parking and outdoor projects. The property sits at the end of a quiet no-exit street with public beach access right there. Simple, established landscaping includes flat lawns, palm trees, two 25,000-litre water tanks, and an exterior shower for rinsing off after your beach swim. Built with timber frame, Hardiebacker Cement Board and solid plaster exterior. Building Consent issued 2003, Code Compliance Certificate 2005. A 2019 Weathertightness Report confirmed the building is NOT monolithic in nature. At $845,000, this represents incredible value for a quality beachside home with such substantial garaging and grounds. Copy and paste this link into your browser to download further information: https://fncre.nz/4c6jhbb
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
Michael Healy - Far North Coastal Real Estate Ltd (Licensed: REAA 2008)
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


