The two properties we purchased previously were the very first places we visited each time we began searching - not that we rushed in, we looked at others afterwards but preferred the first option each time. Inevitably, this happened once again (9 days ago) and we are already heading towards a completion date of Dec 21st - less than a month after first viewing it!!
Of course we're both really stoked by this and hope that my parents feel similarly, as they had already boarded the plane for NZ when we were haggling the price down!
It is our first actual house (after 2 small London flats) and is in Nelson itself - a short walk to pubs, shops and restaurants rather than the $40 taxi ride we are faced with at present. It has a good section (garden) of 733m and 3 bedrooms excluding the granny flat on the ground floor.
It is located at the end of a cul-de-sac above a valley and has lovely views and afternoon / evening sun. There are two double doors which open out to a veranda on 3 sides which will be great for BBQ's, wine and relaxing with a book after training!
The kitchen and bathroom were refitted recently and to a good spec too. The downstairs granny flat needs a complete over-haul, but we don't plan to renovate upstairs further than some painting and touching-up. There are enough little jobs for us to do to stamp our personal touch on the place over the next couple of years.
The building has a nice open plan with good flow out to the veranda and between rooms. There is a log-burning fire in the centre of the property so we will no longer freeze in the winter! The polished wood floors look great too...
We will no longer battle with the ancient oven at our rental place, and Bernie is trying to negotiate to keep the silver fridge freezer as it matches the oven!
House prices have dropped here, but are picking up. Our British Pounds are very weak at present, but we wanted to get onto the property ladder ASAP. Friends here have paid off their mortgages in under 10 years - mortgages are quite flexible over here!
The large garden is landscaped but needs some clearing. Fruit trees will be put in as well as plenty of veges. Our lovely chooks will also benefit from a larger coop to play in!
Once again, we have lots of room for visitors so please keep NZ in your holiday plans!
This will be our room (minus the chez long unfortunately!)
This will be our room (minus the chez long unfortunately!)
We will be paying (subject to finance - fingers crossed!) around 100,000GBP for this place. Few properties are available in good areas for this price - we will have no garage or off-street parking, but we can put up with this for a saving of $40,000! There is no through traffic (as it is a cul-de-sac) and there are plenty of spaces on the road so a cover for the mini should keep it going!
As mentioned, we should be in on the 21st - any one available to help us move?! My parents will be!
Love to one and all. Hoping you're all fit, healthy and happy!
Chris and Berns x x
